Mechanical Engineer, Reactor System Design

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 Mechanical Engineer with expertise relevant to mechanical design, 3-D modeling, stress analysis and manufacturing of reactor systems hardware. In this role, you will contribute to the engineering design and technology development programs for the FHR. The candidate should also have experience in codes and standards specifically ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC). Familiarity with manufacturing process including machining, forming, and welding, is also desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical design information, including functional requirements, for major FHR systems, structures and components, and document in design packages
• Perform mechanical design tradeoff and optimization studies
• Create and update CAD models for FHR systems, structures, and components
• Create engineering drawings, including dimensioning and tolerancing
• Perform static and dynamic calculations for systems, structures, and components to evaluate stresses due to thermal seismic, thermal, and primary loads using analytical and FEA methods
• Maintain knowledge of and assess compliance with applicable codes and standards of ASME, ANSI, and ASTM
• Proficient in solid mechanics, failure theories and stress criteria at high temperatures for alloy steels or composite materials
• Ability to visualize construction, maintenance and operational constraints affecting plant layout and design of structures, systems, and components
• Develop feasibility studies, cost-benefit analysis, and optimization studies to support cost and design targets
• Support manufacturing of FHR components including the DFM studies, evaluations of manufacturing plans and review of inspection reports
• Publish technical reports documenting calculations, analysis, design requirements, descriptions, and test results
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or similar fields of study
• 2+ years of experience in engineering design; experience in oil & gas, chemical, power, nuclear, or similar industry is preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in CAD modeling and mechanical design strongly preferred.
• 2+ years of experience using analytical methods and FEA simulation to perform thermal and stress analysis is a plus.
• Experience with Codes and Standards, specifically ASME BPVC Section VIII; experience in Section III Division 5, is a plus
• Experience with design and analysis of nuclear mechanical systems, such as reactor vessel and internals is a plus
• Familiarity with heavy industry, ASME pressure vessel manufacturing, or direct experience working in machine or welding shops is a plus
• Broad experience across plant engineering topics is a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of ASME Section VIII, Section IX, AWS, and nuclear welding standards
• 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 one self 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 Demands

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• Assessing 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
• Color identification: detecting, distinguishing, recognizing and identifying colors
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

Travel

• Some travel may be required (10%)

The salary range for this position is $106,300 to $125,100 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 may be used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, 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. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/10/appendix-A_to_part_810