Operator (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 Operator to support our plant operations and testing team. In this role, you will contribute to the development and deployment of the company’s engineering testing capabilities including assembly, maintenance and operation of large-scale hardware and equipment. This role will require the individual to start and work on-site in Albuquerque, NM for approximately 2 years in preparation for our operation in Oak Ridge, TN. Long-term, this individual may have the opportunity to transition and support operations on-site at our facility in Oak Ridge, TN. The ideal candidate takes pride in his/her hands-on work, organizational skills, has experience in 24/7 plant or large-scale testing operations, and will ultimately contribute to the training and transfer of knowledge/key learnings between operators at each location.

Responsibilities

• Assembles and installs process and auxiliary equipment into assigned facilities. Frequently uses heavy equipment such as forklifts, telehandlers, and overhead hoists to support installation.
• Commissions, operates, and maintains mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Prepares, reviews and executes system and component level commissioning, operating and maintenance procedures.
• Performs acceptance testing following new equipment installation including hydrostatic, pneumatic, I/O checks, and electrical component calibrations checks.
• Supports day-to-day operations of the assigned facility including startup, monitor, and shutdown processes and auxiliary equipment.
• Performs chemistry sampling and analysis using standardized analytical instruments and procedures.
• Monitors equipment performance by interpreting and trending process parameters. Takes corrective action to place malfunctioning equipment in a safe state.
• Performs minor preventative and corrective maintenance on mechanical and electrical equipment to include filter replacements, equipment cleaning, and consumable replacements.
• Performs equipment troubleshooting as necessary.
• Perform Lockout-Tagout of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Reviews and executes hazardous operations per standardized operating procedures.
• Assists engineering staff to execute the R&D test program.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelors degree in an Engineering Technology program or equivalent or 2+ years of experience as a plant operator or technician (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, chemicals, power plant, military, or similar backgrounds are highly desired)
• Ability to start and work on-site at the Albuquerque, NM site for approximately 2 years to develop in-depth understanding of company’s large-scale hardware, equipment, and processes
• Ability and willingness to transition between Kairos Power sites in support of operations work and process development, including opportunity to potentially transition to support on-site operations at our future facility in Oakridge, TN
• Ability to understand and follow technical procedures
• Ability and interest in being cross trained and learning different processes to perform other jobs as needed
• Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials in PPE including full-face respirator and Tyvek suit
• Familiarity with basic hand tools
• Mechanically inclined with an ability to operate plant equipment, hands-on experience with plant equipment and operations desired
• Experience with Instrumentation and Controls systems
• Computer skills including spreadsheet use
• Ability to communicate with others effectively
• Ability to read P&ID and mechanical/electrical drawings
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Always works in a safe and compliant manner
• 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
• Setting up and transferring temporary structures (e.g. scaffolding, ladders)
• 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 50 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment and machinery
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams

Environmental Conditions

• Shop floor environment
• Low temperatures
• High temperatures
• Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind
• Noisy environments
• Small and/or enclosed spaces
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Evaluated heights
• 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
• Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include full-face respirator, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, and non-permeable suit
• Handling of Beryllium (Be)

Travel

• Some travel may be required 5% or less

Certification

• Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certification

Additional Requirements

• Occasionally requires overtime
• Occasionally requires working weekends
• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility
• Occasionally requires working 2nd shift, beginning at 7:00pm local time
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

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