Kairos Power

Principal Engineer, Structural Integrity of Metallic Systems, Structures & Components

Alameda, California, United States

Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Nuclear Power, Energy, Engineering ServicesIndustries

Position Overview

  • Location Type: Onsite
  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Salary: Not specified

Job Summary: Reporting to the Manager, Structural Integrity & Materials Modeling, the Principal Engineer, Structural Integrity of Metallic Systems, Structures & Components (SSCs) will drive the development and deployment of novel analysis methods and numerical models used for the design, licensing and operation of the Kairos Power fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactors (KP-FHRs). They will also closely support the Materials and Engineering Design teams with ongoing and future qualification testing, design-for-construction and fitness-for-service programs.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the extension and application of structural integrity assessment methods and procedures to future commercial FHR units.
  • Conduct and review defect tolerance (DTA) and fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments of KP-FHR SSCs.
  • Support the company’s design-for-construction and materials qualification efforts by performing and reviewing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of metallic SSCs.
  • Lead the development, verification and validation of deformation and damage models of high carbon stainless steels.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with various engineering teams on efforts such as uncertainty quantification (UQ), software Quality Assurance (SQA), software and hardware acquisition, and support of management and work program leadership in meeting company’s licensing milestones and deliverables.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Education: MS or PhD degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field strongly preferred.
  • Experience: 15+ years of experience with FEA required; APDL & Usermat (Ansys) or UMAT (Abaqus) experience strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge:
    • Knowledge of inelastic deformation and failure mechanisms of ductile structural components operating at high temperature and under irradiation required and preferred, respectively.
    • Knowledge of Fracture Mechanics is required.
    • Experience in application and knowledge of Construction and Fitness-for-Service codes (e.g., ASME III & XI, API 579, UK R5/R6, BS-7910, RCC-MRx) is preferred.
  • Skills:
    • Working experience with scientific & scripting programming languages (e.g., C++, Fortran, Python and Matlab).
    • Working experience with model calibration and optimization techniques as well uncertainty quantification.

Company Information

Kairos Power is a new nuclear energy technology and engineering company whose mission is to enable the world’s transition to clean energy, with the ultimate goal to dramatically improve people’s quality of life while protecting the environment. This goal will be accomplished through the commercialization of the fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor (FHR) that can be deployed with robust safety, affordable costs, and flexible operation to accommodate the expansion of variable renewables.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis
FEA
APDL
Usermat
UMAT
Ansys
Abaqus
Inelastic deformation
Failure mechanisms
Structural integrity assessment
Damage modeling
Uncertainty quantification
Software Quality Assurance

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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