Senior Mechanical Engineer, Test at Kairos Power

Alameda, California, United States

Kairos Power Logo
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

Mechanical CAD
Engineering Drawings
Hydraulic Systems
Pneumatic Systems
Thermal Systems
Electrical Systems
Test Fixtures
Lab Testing
Manufacturing
Assembly
Data Collection
Safety Protocols
Technical Reports

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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