Senior Manager, Construction Projects

Job Description
Lead the construction execution of America's first advanced nuclear fuel production facilities. This Senior Manager, Construction Projects role impacts the full lifecycle delivery of $100-500M capital construction programs - TRISO-X fuel fabrication facilities - where every field decision, subcontractor coordination, and safety protocol directly impacts X-energy's mission to deploy clean, reliable nuclear energy at scale. You'll operate at both the strategic level (crafting project delivery approaches, evaluating construction techniques for best value, ensuring alignment across development teams and stakeholders) and the tactical level (mobilizing sites, managing daily field operations, driving subcontractor performance through work packages and earned value tracking, resolving construction issues in real time). This role demands seamless coordination across engineering, quality, construction, project controls, and physical security to deliver nuclear-grade facilities on schedule, on budget, and with the safety rigor that NRC-regulated and DOE environments require.

We need a proven construction leader who thrives in high-complexity, highly-regulated nuclear or government environments: someone who has successfully delivered $100M+ capital projects in nuclear, energy, or industrial settings under strict QA regimes (NQA-1, 10 CFR, DOE O 414.1D), commanded field teams and subcontractors through Design-Build/Design-Bid-Build/Integrated Project Delivery models, and built the stakeholder trust required to present program status to owners, regulators, and executives under pressure. You'll manage project planning and schedules using Primavera P6, review construction estimates and specifications for constructability with engineering teams, participate in material review boards and NCR resolution, monitor costs and earned value to keep programs on track, ensure craft training and safety protocols are enforced daily, and lead change order evaluation and risk mitigation across civil/structural, electrical, and mechanical scopes. This role may work from active construction sites in all weather conditions with mandatory PPE - you'll be leading from the field, not from a conference room.

Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Manages and coordinates construction projects from conception to completion as assigned. The breadth and types of projects includes but is not limited to: nuclear operator and maintenance training facilities, mechanical/electrical/hydraulic testing facilities, major system integration facilities, and nuclear fuel handling/storage facilities and nuclear power plants.
• Supports development teams (constructors, technical authorities, owners, operators, other stakeholders) in crafting agreements to plan and execute projects.
• Provides oversight of in-house and subcontracted work, including work planning and work package development, cost estimation, facility civil construction and systems installations.
• Reviews project construction estimates and schedules for understanding, clarity, appropriateness, and acceptability. Reviews specifications, drawings, work packages, and other "Issue for Construction" documentation with Engineering, Quality, Construction, etc., for constructability issues, optimization, clarity, and completeness.
• Evaluates construction techniques to achieve "best value", such as system modularization.
• Manages project planning of assigned construction activities, deliverables, and milestones and commensurate resources necessary to achieve those deliverables.
• Reviews and approves project plans and schedules as assigned.
• Participates in material review boards, non-conformance reporting, and test failure reviews; supports the resolution of problems involving material deliveries, specification compliance, and contract/subcontract administration.
• Coordinates with internal stakeholders and other X-energy functional departments in establishing and maintaining priorities to ensure the construction project success.
• Monitors expenses and tracks material quantities. Assesses and evaluates earn value measurement data to determine the right metrics to monitor construction progress.
• Monitors construction personnel performance, quality, safety, and technical adequacy.
• Ensures that the appropriate field instructions, work packages, and procedures are in place and being adhered to.
• Develops, collates, and provides periodic reports regarding construction operations to project development teams.
• Ensures that appropriate craft/skills training programs are being implemented.
• Presents project management performance plans, status updates, trends, or issues to internal and external stakeholders as assigned.
• Adheres to safety protocols, regulations, and standards.
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Job Profile Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or construction management.
• Typically, twelve plus years of general work experience.
• At least ten years' experience in construction project management, with a demonstrated track record of successfully leading complex capital projects in highly regulated industries (e.g., government/regulatory, energy, industrial, nuclear, or infrastructure).
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and practical experience in various project delivery models (i.e., Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery).
• Proven experience in developing and managing project budgets, tracking costs, and ensuring alignment with contract terms or GMP structures.
• Proven civil/structural, electrical experience in a commercial facility setting.
• Advanced expertise in project planning, scheduling, and progress tracking, including development of look-ahead schedules and use of scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, or other similar tools)
• Proven experience in field leadership and coordination, including site mobilization, subcontractor management, daily huddles, and safety enforcement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage change orders, evaluate impacts to cost and schedule, and process changes in compliance with contract requirements.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and delegating responsibilities while maintaining accountability across field and office teams.
• Knowledge of risk management practices to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks related to safety, schedule, budget, and quality.
• Experience managing stakeholder relationships across owners, contractors, engineers, architects, and consultants.
• Strong background in enforcing safety protocols.
• Ability to meet physical demands:
  • When working on an active construction site, may work in rough or uneven terrain.
  • Frequent walking, standing, and sitting.
  • Occasional climbing, bending/crouching.
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

Location: Oak Ridge, TN
Work Site Expectations: 5 days onsite
Travel Expectations: Up to 10%
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:
$165,000- $190,000

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.