Payroll Specialist V

X-Energy, a pioneering advanced nuclear energy company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist V to join its growing team in Montgomery County.

About the Role

As a senior-level Payroll Specialist, you will serve as a subject-matter expert responsible for end-to-end payroll operations in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This full-time, on-site position in Rockville demands deep technical payroll expertise, meticulous attention to regulatory compliance, and the confidence to work independently on complex payroll matters.

What You'll Do

• Own and execute full-cycle payroll processing for a multi-state employee population, ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery each pay period
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements, including withholding, remittance, and reporting obligations
• Administer garnishments, wage assignments, benefit deductions, and other payroll adjustments in accordance with applicable regulations
• Perform payroll reconciliations and audits, identifying and resolving discrepancies before disbursement
• Lead year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation, ACA reporting, and quarterly tax filings
• Partner with HR and Finance teams to ensure accurate data exchange between HRIS, payroll, and accounting systems
• Develop and maintain payroll process documentation, internal controls, and standard operating procedures
• Serve as an escalation point for payroll inquiries from employees and management
• Support payroll system upgrades, implementations, and audits as a functional lead

What We're Looking For

• Substantial progressive experience in payroll operations, with demonstrated expertise at a senior or lead level
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll tax law and labor regulations
• Proficiency with enterprise payroll and HRIS platforms (such as ADP, Workday, UKG, or comparable systems)
• Strong command of Microsoft Excel for reconciliation, reporting, and data validation
• Experience supporting government contractors or defense-adjacent organizations is a plus
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to meet firm deadlines without sacrificing accuracy
• Discretion and professionalism when handling confidential compensation data

About X-Energy

X-Energy is an advanced nuclear reactor and fuel design company working to deliver safe, clean, and affordable energy through next-generation reactor technology. Based in Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland, X-Energy is at the forefront of the US nuclear energy renaissance, developing the Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor and proprietary TRISO-X nuclear fuel. The company's work is driven by a commitment to a carbon-free energy future.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through this listing. X-Energy conducts a thorough hiring process and will never request payment at any stage of recruitment — all legitimate applications are handled through official company channels.