Overall Reflections: X-Energy first round interviewers are actually HR workers judging the qualifications and “fit” of STEM Masters and PhD roles - which is ridiculous. The recruiter seemed more like a human resource person who did not know much about the role, and therefore was not qualified to judge if a candidate should move on the speaking with a hiring manager. Advice to management: Have candidates interview directly with hiring managers who know the role intimately. When standard HR (who themselves do not hold technical or advanced degrees) act as interviewers for highly technical positions, it feels insulting. Reason being, they ask shallow questions and make judgements based on limited knowledge. Pre Interview: Applied - took 3 weeks to schedule first interview. The recruiter sent emails from a “jobvite” email address, so there is no way to follow up or be sure your emails are delivered. This made me feel very disconnected from the process. Actual Interview: I did not feel the interviewer was qualified to truly access my candidacy for the position. Post Interview: No follow up emails + radio silence for another 2 weeks. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to consider you for employment. We have reviewed your background and qualifications and find that we do not have an appropriate position for you at this time. We appreciate your interest in X-energy and wish you success in your job search. Sincerely, The X-energy Recruiting Team