Mechanical Test Engineer

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 Mechanical Test Engineer with experience designing, building, and operating complex systems that integrate mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical components. This role focuses on the development of test systems that support the advancement of Kairos Power's nuclear reactor subsystems.

The ideal candidate will contribute to both conceptual and detailed design efforts across multiple engineering domains and must be proficient in mechanical CAD with a strong understanding of engineering fundamentals. We're looking for a collaborative, hands-on, and detail-oriented engineer who enjoys working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop thermal, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems used in test, prototyping, and operational environments.
• Create and revise engineering drawings and models for components and assemblies using CAD tools.
• Collaborate with engineers, lab technicians, and manufacturing staff to implement and maintain test systems.
• Assist with the fabrication, assembly, and troubleshooting of test setups and hardware.
• Support test operations by monitoring equipment performance and collecting data.
• Develop and write procedures and documentation for test execution and system operation.
• Prepare technical reports that summarize test results and that identify opportunities for design improvement.
• Lead and contribute to design reviews, incorporating feedback to improve system performance reliability.
• Support continuous improvement of engineering processes and documentation standards.
• Engage in professional development activities, including technical learning and peer collaboration.
• Support other duties as assigned, including occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years of relevant industry experience in mechanical system design, prototyping, or testing.
• Proficient in mechanical CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience working collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience with systems that integrate pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical system components.
• Experience with lab instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and control systems.
• Experience with mechanism design, assembly, and development.
• Experience with manufacturing techniques and processes.
• Experience in regulated industries such as nuclear or aerospace is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and design principles across thermal, fluid, and mechanical domains.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred).
• Working knowledge of engineering drawing standards (e.g., GD&T).
• Familiarity with engineering analysis tools (e.g., FEA, CFD, heat transfer, kinematic analysis, system modeling, circuit simulation).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Physical Demands

• 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 50 pounds in all directions.

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• Prototyping/Test Facilities
• Manufacturing/Industrial Environments

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials
• 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, etc.

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required

Additional Requirements

• Occasionally requires working weekends
• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

The salary range for this position is $122,300 to $143,800 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, 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. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/10/appendix-A_to_part_810