Lead the execution of TRISO-X's most complex, highest-stakes capital programs. This Project Director role owns the full lifecycle delivery of $100M+ nuclear facility and systems projects — from baseline development through commissioning — where every schedule decision, subcontract negotiation, and risk mitigation directly impacts TRISO-X fuel production readiness and program success. You'll operate at both the strategic level (defining execution strategies, make/buy decisions, stakeholder alignment) and the tactical level (driving daily subcontractor performance, resolving design-construction conflicts, managing earned value), ensuring seamless coordination across engineering, licensing, supply chain, quality, safety, manufacturing, testing, operations, and construction.
We need a proven project leader who thrives in high-delivery-risk, matrixed environments: someone who has managed complex nuclear or energy programs end-to-end, navigated strict QA regimes (NQA-1, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B), and built the stakeholder trust required to keep multi-disciplinary teams aligned under tight timelines and rigorous compliance. You'll develop and baseline project plans (budget, schedule, risk management, CDRLs), oversee subcontractor and internal matrixed team performance through design reviews and earned value tracking, define deliverable acceptability against specifications, and present program status to customers, executives, and regulatory audiences. This is both strategic PM leadership (crafting execution approaches, process improvement, governance decisions) and hands-on program execution (status meetings, variance analysis, technical performance measures, resolving implementation roadblocks in real time).
Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities
- Oversee the development of the project baseline documentation (project budget, schedule, project execution plan, deliverables/CDRLs, other contractually defined elements); ensure the project management plan, risk management plan, and other governing documentation is consistent with business and corporate processes and policies.
- Oversee the coordination of inputs and performance commitments from the matrixed departments that support project execution (Finance, Subcontracts/Procurement, Engineering, Licensing, Quality/Safety, etc.). This includes activity/delivery schedules, cost estimates, subcontracting requirements, quality requirements, regulatory requirements, deliverable definition, etc.
- Oversee the coordination across other related/dependent projects where common customers, designs, and/or documentation exist.
- Review and approve business analyses and determination of “make/buy” and subcontracting decisions. Engage in subcontract negotiations/execution as necessary to ensure contract requirements are adhered to.
- Make decisions on how and whether recommended technical and programmatic approaches will achieve contract goals and requirements in line with project governance.
- Oversee performance of subcontractors, partners, and internal solid-line and matrixed staff through interim reports, status meetings, documentation, design reviews, and deliverables to ensure efforts are being completed as agreed to.
- Oversee project performance measures – risk management, scheduling/program planning, document management, cost adherence/variance analysis/earned value, deliverables status, technical performance measures/specification adherence, other.
- Define deliverable acceptability; communicate this through process control, interface, and performance documentation (specifications); and determine acceptability of deliverables based on acceptance criteria.
- Make decisions on acceptability of deliverables, products/SSCs, and the system to achieve customer’s performance, quality, safety, operational, and programmatic requirements in line with project governance.
- Develop and present presentations that document project and program progress, issues, risks, and completion measurement. This includes customer status, design reviews, licensing presentation and events, readiness reviews, internal program status, Board meetings, executive status meetings, other.
- Represent company to external markets and stakeholders through industry engagements, customer-led seminars, regulatory presentations, etc., on program status, objectives, progress, solutions, and other aspects, as requested by Business Development, Government Affairs, and executive management.
- Actively supports the safety culture and ensure integration of quality in all relevant processes by complying with the requirements of the Quality Assurance Program.
- Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
- Perform other duties as assigned by manager.
Job Profile Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science, or related field.
- Typically, twelve plus years’ experience as an engineer and/or engineering manager in the energy/ nuclear/ petrochemical .
- Typically, five plus years’ experience working as a Project Engineer/Project Manager on projects in the $10 million-$50 million/year range.
- Experience in end-to-end complex system development, from concept to qualified hardware/system delivery. Development experience in nuclear-safety systems, nuclear construction, operations, and/or maintenance.
- Experience working under nuclear regulatory codes or another strict QA program (e.g., NQA-1, N299, ISO-9001).
Location: 151 Lafayette Drive, Suite 300, Oak Ridge, TN
Work Site Expectations: 5 days in office
Travel: 10% potential
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm, Mon-Fri
Compensation
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:
$230-250K
Position Job Classification
Full time - Exempt
Benefits
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.
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