Commissioning Test Engineer
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Job Description
Build and prove the systems that bring America's first advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility to life. As a Commissioning Test Engineer at TRISO-X in Oak Ridge, TN, you'll lead the complex, high-stakes testing that demonstrates our facility systems perform exactly as designed and are ready for safe operation. Working with considerable independence under the general direction of the Commissioning Manager, you'll own the toughest elements of the systematic testing program — developing test procedures, directing and performing component and system testing, and rigorously verifying that mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control (I&C), and process systems meet every design specification. You'll also lead the critical system turnover activities that move facilities from construction to commissioning and from commissioning to operations, serving as a technical anchor who mentors less experienced engineers and partners closely with Responsible Engineers, Operations personnel, Maintenance craft, and QA inspectors to resolve complex technical issues.
We need a seasoned commissioning professional who embodies the nuclear mindset: someone who brings a strong questioning attitude to every test, an appreciation for Conduct of Operations principles, and uncompromising attention to detail in every test step, measurement, and record. You'll thrive here if you've led testing and commissioning across multi-disciplinary systems in nuclear, industrial, or other highly regulated environments, can operate autonomously while directing the work of others, and take genuine ownership of proving that systems are safe and ready before they go live. Beyond technical depth, you'll bring the discipline, judgment, and mentoring instinct that set the standard for the engineers coming up behind you — because at TRISO-X, how we test and turn over systems today defines how safely and reliably this first-of-a-kind facility runs for decades to come.
Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities:
Level III:
Test Planning and Execution
- Assist in developing test procedures from system test plans, including step-by-step instructions, acceptance criteria, and data collection needs.
- Perform testing of facility systems in accordance with approved procedures and Conduct of Operations standards such as verbatim compliance and peer checking.
- Apply questioning attitude during testing by identifying unexpected conditions and elevating concerns to senior engineers or supervision.
- Collect and record test data, compare results to acceptance criteria, and support preparation of test documentation.
- Support troubleshooting efforts by providing observations and assisting Responsible Engineers in diagnosing issues.
Turnover and Coordination
- Support turnover activities from construction to commissioning by checking documentation completeness and verifying prerequisites for testing under guidance from senior staff.
- Participate in Joint Test Group activities to present basic test results and coordinate with engineering, construction, operations, and QA organizations.
- Assist with system turnover to operations by helping track test completion, punchlist items, and documentation readiness.
- Work with Responsible Engineers to understand design intent and clarify test approaches.
Collaboration, Quality, and Compliance
- Work with Operations personnel during testing to validate steps in operating procedures and support transition to operational responsibility.
- Assist Maintenance craft with equipment checks, functional testing, and troubleshooting following work control processes.
- Coordinate with QA inspectors to ensure testing meets quality requirements and documentation standards.
- Maintain accurate documentation and support requirements for regulatory inspections and readiness reviews.
- Participate in pre-job briefings, hazard identification, and work control processes and monitor test conditions for off-normal situations requiring escalation.
Level IV:
Test Planning and Execution
- Develop detailed test procedures from system test plans, including step-by-step instructions, acceptance criteria, data collection requirements, and safety controls.
- Execute systematic testing of facility systems in accordance with approved procedures and disciplined Conduct of Operations practices, including verbatim compliance, peer checking, and three-way communication.
- Exercise questioning attitude throughout testing by stopping work when conditions are not as expected, challenging assumptions, and raising concerns when acceptance criteria are unclear or results appear inconsistent.
- Collect and analyze test data, compare results against acceptance criteria, document findings in detailed test reports, and maintain configuration control of test records.
- Troubleshoot system issues identified during testing in coordination with Responsible Engineers and equipment vendors to diagnose problems and implement corrective actions.
Turnover and Coordination
- Support system turnover activities from construction to commissioning by verifying that systems meet mechanical completion criteria, documentation is complete and accurate, and prerequisites for testing are satisfied.
- Participate in the Joint Test Group to present test results, raise technical concerns through proper channels, and coordinate testing with engineering, construction, operations, and QA organizations.
- Support progressive system turnover to operations by ensuring test completion, punchlist resolution, and documentation readiness for operational acceptance.
- Work closely with Responsible Engineers to clarify design intent, validate test approaches, and resolve design-related questions through disciplined technical inquiry.
Collaboration, Quality, and Compliance
- Collaborate with Operations personnel during testing to validate operating procedures and support transition to operational responsibility.
- Work with Maintenance craft during equipment installation checks, functional testing, and troubleshooting activities in accordance with disciplined work control processes.
- Coordinate with QA inspectors to ensure testing complies with quality requirements, hold points are observed, documentation meets quality standards, and configuration control is maintained throughout commissioning.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and traceable documentation to support regulatory inspections and operational readiness assessments.
- Ensure all testing activities comply with safety requirements, work authorization processes, and environmental controls through disciplined adherence to procedures and proper application of questioning attitude.
- Participate in pre-job briefings, hazard identification, and work control processes, and monitor test conditions for off-normal situations requiring protective action or stop-work authority.
Level V:
- Test Planning and Execution
- Lead development of detailed test procedures from system test plans, including step-by-step instructions, acceptance criteria, data collection requirements, and safety controls for complex or multi-system test activities.
- Lead execution of systematic testing of facility systems in accordance with approved procedures and disciplined Conduct of Operations practices, including verbatim compliance, peer checking, and three-way communication.
- Model and reinforce questioning attitude throughout testing by stopping work when conditions are not as expected, challenging assumptions, and resolving concerns when acceptance criteria are unclear or results appear inconsistent.
- Direct the collection and analysis of test data, evaluate results against acceptance criteria, review detailed test reports for technical adequacy, and maintain configuration control of test records.
- Lead troubleshooting of complex system issues identified during testing in coordination with Responsible Engineers and equipment vendors, diagnosing problems and directing implementation of corrective actions.
- Turnover and Coordination
- Lead system turnover activities from construction to commissioning by verifying that systems meet mechanical completion criteria, documentation is complete and accurate, and prerequisites for testing are satisfied.
- Represent the commissioning organization in the Joint Test Group, presenting test results, resolving technical concerns through proper channels, and coordinating complex multi-discipline testing with engineering, construction, operations, and QA organizations.
- Lead progressive system turnover to operations by ensuring test completion, punchlist resolution, and documentation readiness for operational acceptance.
- Work closely with Responsible Engineers to clarify design intent, validate test approaches, and resolve complex design-related questions through disciplined technical inquiry.
- Collaboration, Quality, and Compliance
- Collaborate with Operations personnel during testing to validate operating procedures and lead transition to operational responsibility.
- Direct coordination with Maintenance craft during equipment installation checks, functional testing, and troubleshooting activities in accordance with disciplined work control processes.
- Coordinate with QA inspectors to ensure testing complies with quality requirements, hold points are observed, documentation meets quality standards, and configuration control is maintained throughout commissioning.
- Review and approve documentation for accuracy, completeness, and traceability to support regulatory inspections and operational readiness assessments.
- Ensure all testing activities comply with safety requirements, work authorization processes, and environmental controls, and foster a culture where questioning attitude is expected and consistently applied.
- Lead pre-job briefings, hazard identification, and work control processes, and monitor test conditions for off-normal situations requiring protective action or stop-work authority.
Job Profile Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, including mechanical, electrical, chemical, nuclear, or related discipline, from an ABET-accredited institution.
- Level III:
- Typically, 5 years of relevant experience in commissioning, startup, operational testing, or maintenance in nuclear, chemical process, pharmaceutical, or other regulated industries.
- Experience supporting the development or execution of test procedures, collecting data, and preparing documentation.
- Familiarity with integrated system operation, testing, and troubleshooting in procedurally controlled environments.
- Ability to read and interpret basic P&IDs, electrical schematics, control logic diagrams, and technical specifications.
- Solid problem-solving skills and an organized approach to technical work.
- Level IV:
- Typically, 10 years of relevant experience in commissioning, startup, operational testing, or maintenance in nuclear, chemical process, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated industries.
- Experience developing or executing test procedures, collecting and analyzing test data, and documenting results with disciplined attention to accuracy and completeness.
- Exposure to integrated systems operation, testing, and troubleshooting in procedurally controlled environments.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, control logic diagrams, and technical specifications.
- Strong problem-solving capability and a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
- Level V:
- Typically, 15 years of relevant experience in commissioning, startup, operational testing, or maintenance in nuclear, chemical process, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated industries.
- Extensive experience leading development and execution of test procedures, directing collection and analysis of test data, and ensuring disciplined documentation of results with a high degree of accuracy and completeness.
- Demonstrated experience with integrated systems operation, testing, and troubleshooting in procedurally controlled environments, including experience coordinating multi-discipline test activities.
- Strong ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, control logic diagrams, and technical specifications across multiple systems and disciplines.
- Strong problem-solving capability, a systematic approach to troubleshooting, and demonstrated ability to mentor less experienced engineers.
Location: 151 Lafayette Drive, Suite 300, Oak Ridge, TN
Work Site Expectations: 5 days in office
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:
Level III: $110-135K, Level IV: $145-$170K, Level V: $175,000- $200,000
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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About X-energy
X-energy is a developer of advanced modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation.
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