Materials Characterization Part-Time Co-Op - Spring 2026 at Kairos Power

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Entry Level & New GradExperience Level

Part TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Nuclear Energy, EngineeringIndustries

Requirements

Currently pursuing a BS or MS degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or relevant discipline preferred
Must be in good academic standing with current educational institution
Able and willing to commit to 15-20 hours per week during spring 2026
Completion of or current enrollment in any of the following courses at University of New Mexico: CHEM 2310C Quantitative Analysis Lecture and Laboratory; CHEM 453L Analytical Instrumentation: Theory and Application; CBE 318L Chemical Engineering Laboratory I: Introduction to Experimentation; CBE 371 Introduction to Materials Engineering; NE 323L Radiation Detection and Measurement; NE 313L Introduction to Laboratory Techniques for Nuclear Engineering
Exposure to SEM, HPLC, ICP and other analytical and characterization concepts is a plus
Exposure to data handling and modeling is a plus
Solid foundation and understanding on fundamentals of mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of materials is preferred
Knowledge of stainless steel, graphite, or TRISO is a plus
Ability to work with highly collaborative team
Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others
Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge
Ability to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issues

Responsibilities

Perform materials characterization to support structural materials qualification programs, including metallographic sample preparation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron back-scatter diffraction, optical microscopy
Perform characterization to support TRISO and fuel pebble fabrication and quality control programs, including metallographic sample preparation, X-ray computed tomography
Develop new characterization methods in wet chemistry and analytical chemistry for TRISO particle and fuel pebble characterization, including manual techniques, HPLC, and ICP-MS
Support in installation and commissioning new characterization equipment
Support in development and writing of characterization procedures
Other duties as assigned

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

MetallographySEMEnergy Dispersive SpectroscopyElectron Back-Scatter DiffractionOptical MicroscopyX-ray Computed TomographyWet ChemistryAnalytical ChemistryHPLCICP-MSSample PreparationProcedure Development

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the time commitment requirements for this co-op position?

The role requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week during the spring 2026 school semester.

What degree programs are preferred for this co-op role?

Candidates should be currently pursuing a BS or MS degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a relevant discipline.

What specific university courses are required or recommended?

Completion of or current enrollment in courses such as CHEM 2310C Quantitative Analysis Lecture and Laboratory, CHEM 453L Analytical Instrumentation, CBE 318L Chemical Engineering Laboratory I, CBE 371 Introduction to Materials Engineering, NE 323L Radiation Detection and Measurement, or NE 313L Introduction to Laboratory Techniques for Nuclear Engineering at the University of New Mexico.

What key skills and abilities are needed for success in this role?

A solid foundation in mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of materials is preferred, along with the ability to work collaboratively, solve problems efficiently, prioritize safety, and proactively manage knowledge.

What makes a strong candidate for this Materials Characterization Co-Op?

Strong candidates will have good academic standing, exposure to SEM, HPLC, ICP-MS, data handling, and knowledge of materials like stainless steel, graphite, or TRISO, plus enrollment in relevant UNM courses.

Kairos Power

Designs and demonstrates advanced nuclear reactors

About Kairos Power

Kairos Power focuses on providing clean and affordable energy solutions through advanced nuclear reactor technology. Their main product, the Kairos Power Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor (KP-FHR), is designed to be cost-competitive with natural gas while maintaining a near-zero carbon footprint and low water usage. This technology is aimed at utility companies, government agencies, and private firms seeking sustainable energy options. Unlike many competitors, Kairos Power emphasizes the integrated design, licensing, and demonstration of their reactors to prove their safety and reliability. Their goal is to attract investments and partnerships to scale their technology and contribute to a cleaner energy future.

Alameda, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2016Year Founded

$19.5KTotal Funding

GRANTCompany Stage

EnergyIndustries

201-500Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

401(k) Company Match

401(k) Retirement Plan

Risks

Potential delays in Hermes 2 construction could affect timelines and finances.

Google partnership may face regulatory hurdles, impacting the 2035 rollout.

New Mexico expansion might encounter local regulatory challenges or community resistance.

Differentiation

Kairos Power's KP-FHR reactor offers near-zero carbon emissions and low water usage.

The company focuses on advanced nuclear technology, setting it apart from traditional energy firms.

Kairos Power's strategic partnerships, like with Google, enhance its market position.

Upsides

The U.S. NRC approved construction permits for Kairos Power's Hermes 2 Demonstration Plant.

Kairos Power's agreement with Google aims for 500MW nuclear projects by 2035.

The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits, boosting nuclear project financial viability.

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