Mechanical Engineer, Fuels Program

Mechanical Engineer, Fuels Program

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 in the development and implementation of chemical and physical processes stream related equipment, to support the Kairos Power fuels program. In this role, you will work within an engineering team to design, construct, commission, and optimize performance of the process equipment necessary for TRISO particle fabrication. You will also work cross-functionally with facility operations, facility engineers, quality assurance, and EHS to enable supporting functions.

Responsibilities include:

• Interpret process engineering information communicated via Process Flow Diagrams (PFD's), as well as understanding heat and material balances, and process envelopes contained within mechanical designs.
• Develop equipment specifications and size equipment such as tanks, vessels, valves, lines, and pumps based on process needs.
• Prepare equipment lists and data sheets for equipment.
• Develop and/or approve manufacturing drawings for custom equipment.
• Interface with vendors for procurement of equipment and instruments.
• Work with the lead Responsible Engineer to develop the equipment commissioning plan and procedures.
• Coordinate with facility operations to implement, test and optimize TRISO fuel fabrication processes.
• Provide oversight of fuel fabrication processes and incorporate best practices for continuous improvement.
• Work with other engineers and technologists to understand mechanical deficiencies and opportunities for process equipment improvements and incorporate those learnings into design improvements.
• Interface with manufacturing team and participate in equipment manufacturing, assembly and test certification of process equipment skids.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications include:

• B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar discipline.
• 5+ years performing duties as a process or mechanical engineering role in a chemical, pharmaceutical, industrial, or manufacturing setting.
• Experience in generating Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Heat & Material Balances (H&MBs), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), equipment lists, and utility consumption lists.
• Experience working with hazardous processes and chemicals, including the implementation of appropriate safety controls.
• Experience in commissioning new vendor supplied equipment, as well as being able to commission in-house designed equipment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities include:

• Proficient with engineering software programs including CAD, SolidWorks and modeling software.
• Team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with highly collaborative teams.
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement of existing equipment.
• Ability to verify process designs against mechanical designs, in keeping with operational and maintenance interfaces to ensure that systems and facility are optimal from an installation, integration, operational and maintenance perspective.
• Familiar with process documentation, including PFDs and P&IDs, and how they inform industrial system operations and integration.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, able to manage multiple priorities in dynamic environments while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document plans and effectively convey information across engineering, operations and leadership teams.
• Ability to be proactive and adaptable.
• 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 include:

• 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 10 pounds in all directions.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Conditions include:

• General office environment.
• 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 include:

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs.
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions.

Travel includes:

• Some travel may be required <5%

Additional Requirements include:

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