Senior Mechanical Engineer, Test at Kairos Power

Alameda, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Nuclear Energy, Clean EnergyIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with 12+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 10+ years
Degrees in other engineering disciplines will be considered with demonstrated mechanical systems expertise
Proven, hands-on experience in mechanical system design and implementation, particularly in complex, multi-domain environments
Strong technical writing skills with the ability to document system requirements, operational philosophies, assumptions, and design decisions clearly
Demonstrated experience in leading and coordinating cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

Design and support the development of thermal, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems for experimental and operational applications
Create and manage detailed engineering drawings for component and assembly definition using industry best practices
Collaborate with engineering teams and lab technicians to implement, commission, and maintain test systems
Lead or contribute to the manufacturing and assembly of test fixtures and setups in coordination with cross-functional teams
Monitor, inspect, and support ongoing lab test operations, resolving issues in real time
Develop and author operational procedures, including data collection methods and safety protocols
Write technical reports to summarize test outcomes, capture design insights, and document lessons learned
Demonstrate leadership in multi-disciplinary teams, guiding the design, implementation, and operation of complex mechanical systems aligned with project objectives
Mentor and support the growth of junior engineers, sharing knowledge and promoting technical leadership development
Establish and communicate engineering best practices, design standards, and structured design review processes
Lead and participate in design reviews, ensuring alignment with performance goals, regulatory standards, and stakeholder requirements
Support additional duties as assigned, including occasional travel to partner or test facilities
Develop and manage test plans, protocols, and acceptance criteria to validate system performance against design requirements
Perform root cause analysis of test or system failures and implement corrective and preventive actions
Coordinate with external vendors and partners for design, fabrication, and integration of test equipment, ensuring compliance with specifications
Lead hazard analyses and risk assessments for test systems, integrating mitigation strategies into design and operation
Maintain configuration and change management of test systems, drawings, and documentation to ensure traceability across the lifecycle
Communicate project progress, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with program objectives

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Mechanical CADEngineering DrawingsHydraulic SystemsPneumatic SystemsThermal SystemsElectrical SystemsTest FixturesLab TestingManufacturingAssemblyData CollectionSafety ProtocolsTechnical Reports

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What expertise is required for the Senior Mechanical Engineer, Test role?

The role requires deep expertise in designing, building, and operating complex systems that integrate mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical components, proficiency in mechanical CAD, and a strong understanding of physics fundamentals.

What are the main responsibilities of this position?

Responsibilities include designing thermal, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems, creating engineering drawings, collaborating with teams, leading manufacturing and assembly, monitoring test operations, developing procedures, writing reports, and mentoring junior engineers.

Is leadership experience necessary for this role?

Yes, the role requires a collaborative, hands-on, and detail-oriented individual with a strong systems mindset and leadership experience, including demonstrating leadership in multi-disciplinary teams and mentoring junior engineers.

Does this job involve travel?

Yes, the role includes support for additional duties as assigned, including occasional travel to partner or test facilities.

What qualities make a strong candidate for this position?

A strong candidate is collaborative, hands-on, detail-oriented, with a strong systems mindset, leadership experience, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while establishing engineering best practices.

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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