Senior Nuclear Facility Engineer

Company Overview

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.

Job Summary

The Reactor Vessel Auxiliary Systems team is seeking a highly motivated Senior Engineer to join the growing Reactor Systems department where you will have the opportunity to work directly on the design, integration, and assembly of the structures, systems, and components (SSCs) within the reactor cavity in a first-of-a-kind FHR.

In this role, you will manage and coordinate the detailed layout of reactor cavity components including routing of fuel, salt, and gas lines from the reactor vessel through the bio-shield, locating remote handling accessible instrumentation, and standardizing common components and features. The position requires a strong aptitude for mechanical design, systems engineering, and high temperature components under irradiation. You will regularly interface with multi-disciplinary teams including nuclear design, civil structures, remote handling, reactor coolant auxiliary systems, reactor systems, safety analysis, instrumentation & controls, and plant design integration. You will work closely with these teams to implement component and instrumentation standardization, collaborate on SSC design, and develop a cavity layout that meets safety analysis, construction, and maintenance requirements for FHR demonstration reactors.

Responsibilities

Own and manage the 3D layout and spatial integration of all components within the reactor cavity including reactor vessel and support systems, instrumentation, shielding, and maintenance interfaces.

Coordinate with mechanical, civil, and I&C design teams to define spatial, thermal, and functional interfaces between the reactor vessel, cavity systems, and bio-shield.

Lead design integration reviews to ensure structures, systems, and component designs are compatible and accessible for installation and maintenance.

Develop and implement standardized layouts, component interfaces, and remote maintenance connection strategies to streamline manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance operations.

Regularly interface and communicate component requirements with other disciplinary teams including nuclear design, reactor systems, reactor coolant auxiliary systems, safety analysis, remote handling, and manufacturing.

Perform design verification and validation activities to ensure system performance meets functional and safety requirements.

Participate in hazard and failure analyses (HAZOP, FMEA, FTA) and incorporate safety insights into design iterations.

Contribute to configuration management by maintaining design baselines, revision control, and traceability of changes.

Participate in peer design reviews and technical audits to ensure compliance with quality and performance objectives.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Systems Engineering (or related discipline).

5+ years of experience in nuclear plant design, system integration or complex facility layout.

Proven ability to lead cross-disciplinary integration and resolve technical and spatial conflicts.

Demonstrated experience in system integration, equipment layout and standardization, and 3D CAD model management.

Experience in reactor component fabrication and life cycle management processes including equipment qualification, in-service inspection, and other programs.

Experience with configuration management systems or PLM tools.

Experience with prototype or test rig development for mechanical systems.

Experience working to a quality standard, such as ASME NQA-1 or ISO 9001.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Familiarity with applicable codes and standards such as ASME B&PV Section VIII Division 1 and 2, and Section III Division 5.

Proficiency in 3D CAD design and tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AVEVA or equivalent) and engineering analysis tools for thermal and structural modeling

Knowledge of FEA and CFD methods and ability to apply results to mechanical design decisions

Ability to interpret and apply industry standards and codes (ASME, ANSI, ASTM, ASME BPVC)

Knowledge of system safety and reliability analysis methods such as FMEA and HAZOP

Knowledge of configuration management and design control processes

Experience with design and analysis of high-temperature and/or molten salt-wetted components under irradiation is a plus

Ability to apply systems-thinking to evaluate interdependencies across reactor subsystems

Strong analytical problem-solving abilities to resolve complex design issues efficiently

Flexibility to consistently deliver tangible results in a rapid and dynamic work environment

Self-motivated with strong time management skills and ownership mentality

Capability to mentor and train junior engineers and interns.

Excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills

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

Physical Conditions

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting, for prolonged periods

Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 30 pounds in all directions.

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like.

Working with hand tools to assemble equipment and hardware as necessary.

Environmental Conditions

General office environment

Laboratory environment

Safety and PPE

Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs

Report ing issues with equipment or unsafe conditions

Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, etc.

Travel

Some travel may be required (10%)

Additional Requirements

Occasionally requires schedule flexibility

Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

The salary range for this position is $140,600 to $165,400 for employees working onsite at our Alameda, CA headquarters. The range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate of candidates hired in California. Factors that maybe used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, ability and the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role.

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About our Benefits

We know that we have some of the most talented and dedicated employees, and we believe in rewarding them accordingly. If you work here, full-time employees (excludes interns) expect to have access to the benefits below:

Competitive compensation packages

Medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and their dependents

Paid Vacation

401(k) and pre-tax health insurance, dependent care, and commuter benefits (FSA)

Kairos Power is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities where we do business. Kairos Power is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We actively welcome people of different exper