Chemical Process Engineering Co-Op (m/w/d)

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.

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Chemical Process Engineering Co-op with expertise in the development and application of one-of-a-kind production facility. You will interface between the Operations Team, design, construction, procurement, and other partners to support the timely and cost-effective delivery of major engineering programs.

Responsibilities

• Support the team with developing procedures and training
• Develop utilities load balances
• Review P&IDs
• Work on assigned projects with the close supervision of mentor/supervisor
• Observe activities of the assigned department/unit
• Assist mentor/supervisor in day-to-day tasks
• Actively participate in complex safety and environmental programs
• Maintain intern work/activity journal
• Some work may be required in the operating units which requires usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing process data to support system modeling and validation
• Support process modeling and simulation using tools such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB
• Assist with equipment specification reviews and process documentation updates
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing project findings or progress
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance process efficiency and safety
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a BS or MS degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant discipline preferred
• Must be in good academic standing with current educational institution
• Able and willing to commit to 15-20 hours per week during spring 2026 school semester
• Taken or taking the following classes at University of New Mexico: CBE 321 Heat and Mass Transfer, CBE 302 Thermodynamics
• Knowledge of the basic principles and methods used in chemical plant manufacturing and analyses
• Able to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusions
• Able to build relationships across all organizational lines
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Proficiency in computer methods for data acquisition, control, and analysis
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong planning and organizational 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

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 20 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Use hand tools
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• High temperatures
• Noisy environments
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Accessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

Travel

• Must have reliable means of transportation to and from Kairos Power facility in Albuquerque, NM

The salary range for this position is $27 to $29 per hour. Factors that may be 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.

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 experiences, abilities, and perspectives.

Kairos Power participates in E-Verify.

Candidates only, no recruiters or agencies please.

Note: You are applying for a position that is located in a facility that handles information that is subject to export control restrictions by the Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. To work in this facility, you need to be authorized by the Department of Energy to access Part 810-controlled information. Foreign nationals who are citizens of countries that are not on the Department of Energy's general authorization list (link below) are not permitted to work in our facility unless the Department of Energy issues an export control license to the company to permit that individual to have access to Part 810-controlled information. The following questions are intended to determine the licensing requirements that may apply. link