Sr. Process Design Engineer – Inert Gas System at Kairos Power

Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States

Kairos Power Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Nuclear Energy, Clean EnergyIndustries

Requirements

  • B.S. (or higher) in Nuclear, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering
  • 7+ years of relevant industry experience in nuclear, molten salt, refining, chemical, power generation process design engineering or similar applicable industry
  • Demonstrated experience designing, delivering, and commissioning high-purity gas systems skids or other containment-critical chemical processes
  • Proficient in interpreting Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and process equipment datasheets
  • Experience with HazOp, FMEA, and safety-by-design principles for nuclear or high-risk systems
  • Familiarity with codes and standards applicable to nuclear systems (ASME, API, NRC, IAEA)
  • Experience using process modeling tools (Aspen Plus, AFT Fathom/Arrow, etc.)
  • Ability to work with highly collaborative team with excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated capacity for autonomous problem-solving
  • 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
  • Experience in a nuclear material, radiological processing, or radioactive gas handling systems facility (preferred but not required)
  • Prior experience in nuclear or high-temperature chemical systems (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and integration of Inert Gas System (IGS) processes and components for an advanced reactor, ensuring safety, performance, and regulatory alignment
  • Define technical basis for IGS designs that enable high-purity gas operations and effective removal of chemical and radioactive impurities, encompassing process architecture, component selection, and operating strategies
  • Develop and maintain key system documentation such as P&IDs, process control narratives, and design specifications
  • Define and execute testing, commissioning, and acceptance plans to verify performance, reliability, and maintainability of critical hardware
  • Collaborate across disciplines—Plant Design, Process Design, I&C, Operations, and Safety—to ensure seamless integration of IGS with interfacing systems
  • Select and qualify materials, instrumentation, and components for use in radioactive gas and high-temperature environments
  • Support hazard analyses, FMEA, and licensing efforts to ensure robust safety and regulatory compliance
  • Work with vendors and suppliers to specify and evaluate nuclear-grade gas handling and tritium management equipment
  • Provide technical mentorship and leadership to engineers developing next-generation gas and process systems

Skills

Process Design
Inert Gas Systems
P&IDs
Process Control Narratives
Commissioning
System Integration
Nuclear Engineering
Material Selection
Instrumentation
Regulatory Compliance
Tritium Management
Cover Gas Systems

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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