Pros
Supportive Leadership: Plant Training leadership is excellent; both the manager and director of the group are fantastic. They advocate for our group, support us where needed, and check progress without micromanaging. Professional development is always on their minds. Excellent Team that Balances Work and Life: My team is staffed by genuinely incredible people. Beyond their resumes and work accomplishments, they are helpful and kind. We properly balance getting the job done and prioritizing life outside of work. Autonomy and Creativity: Never in my life have I been afforded such freedom to implement my vision. I am encouraged to try new things and take risks for the sake of disrupting the status quo. Opportunities to Grow: X-energy is a newer, growing company. New business opportunities arise and departments expand. There is a need for experienced people to work in or lead those groups. Fascinating Technology: The Xe-100 is a great combination of tried-and-true, albeit rare, high-temperature gas reactor technology with state-of-the-art passive safety features. Even for folks who have been in nuclear power for decades, this feels fresh and exciting.
Cons
Fast-Pace: Things change often - design specifics, customer requirements, even regulations. This degree of fluidity is a challenge few in the nuclear industry face. Many may find this unpleasant. After a career in the rather stagnant and slow military and commercial nuclear industries, (and with good time management!) I have found it invigorating. Cultural Shifts: The company's growth has led to the need for continuous cultural adaptation. There have been pains as we have scaled up, down, reorganized, and prepared to scale up once more. While this has deservedly garnered anger from those affected, I think that it is important to understand these shifts as the nature of a business righting its course.
