Research Associate Chemical Engineering Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

X-energy LLC is hiring a mid-level Chemical Engineer to join its team. This position is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and optimization of chemical processes and systems used in the production of materials and products. The role works cross‑functionally with project leadership and other engineering disciplines to deliver on defined project objectives. The focus of this engineering role is on thermal‑hydraulic and process systems engineering for High‑Temperature Gas‑cooled Reactors (HTGRs). Responsibilities include the modeling, analysis, and integration of chemical, mechanical, and thermal systems. The position applies a chemical engineering background in nuclear applications, with particular emphasis on thermal‑fluid modeling tools (e.g., ASPEN, COMSOL), high‑temperature materials behavior, and reactor systems integration. This role supports the full lifecycle of HTGR systems and components, from design and analysis to qualification.

• Collaborate in the planning, scheduling, and execution of engineering tasks across multiple phases of HTGR system development.
• Provide technical oversight and direction to internal and external design teams, ensuring adherence to project objectives and quality standards.
• Lead and participate in reviews and presentations for internal and customer design evaluations, focusing on chemical and thermal‑hydraulic system performance.
• Translate customer needs into functional requirements, contributing to the definition and validation of chemical engineering specifications and interface documents.
• Organize and coordinate efforts between chemical engineering, systems engineering, nuclear design, and external stakeholders, including suppliers and contractors.
• Maintain professional conduct in all forms of communication and project engagement.
• Develop and validate thermal‑hydraulic models for HTGR cores, secondary systems, and balance‑of‑plant using advanced simulation tools such as ASPEN, COMSOL, and other process modeling platforms.
• Conduct system‑level heat and mass balance analyses for steady‑state and transient operating conditions, including load‑following and accident scenarios.
• Integrate chemical engineering principles into HTGR plant design, covering helium Brayton and Rankine cycles, heat exchanger networks, hydrogen production, tritium control, and off‑gas systems.
• Evaluate high‑temperature material behavior—including oxidation, corrosion, and creep—for alloys, graphite, and reactor‑grade materials under HTGR‑relevant conditions.
• Support the specification, sizing, and performance evaluation of key system components such as recuperators, compressors, turbomachinery, and helium circulators.
• Execute or review CFD and FEA analyses to support component‑level assessments of flow distribution, thermal gradients, and structural integrity.
• Contribute to plant operational strategies including control schemes, startup/shutdown procedures, and accident mitigation approaches.
• Support licensing and QA efforts through preparation of technical reports, engineering calculations, and safety analyses in compliance with NRC and ASME standards.
• Lead or mentor small engineering teams in solving complex design and integration challenges within HTGR systems.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
• Execute the core tasks and responsibilities, listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, with minimal supervision.
• Provide ownership, responsibility, and accountability over technical scope involving the coordination of multiple individual contributors working in a specific area.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related degree from an accredited institution.
• Typically, five years of experience in a chemical engineering role.
• A master’s degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
• A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
• Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA).

• Experience working in the nuclear industry.

9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg MD

4 days a week in office

Up to 10% as needed

8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday

As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives. Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual’s qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth.

The salary range for this position is: $100,000- $140,000

Full time - Exempt

• X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify.

Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.

Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)

E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish

X-energy is delivering the next generation of carbon‑free energy by reinventing nuclear power. We believe in leaving a cleaner planet for our children and grandchildren, while continuing to provide sufficient and affordable power to sustain growing populations around the world. That is why we have reinvented nuclear power, with a unique combination of proven technologies and new innovations, to meet our current and future needs.

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An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Posters X-energy does not discriminate in employment against qualified individuals on the basis of a disability, and understands its obligation to make reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental impairments that qualify as a disability under the ADA and ADAAA, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the company.

It is an applicant’s or employee’s responsibility to participate in this interactive process by seeking an accommodation, assisting X-energy in reviewing accommodation alternatives and providing medical certification of the need for an accommodation.

Any applicant or employee who wishes to seek an accommodation under this policy should contact the Human Resources Department via email at hr@x-energy.com. Whether a requested accommodation would create an undue hardship will be determined based on the facts of each particular case.