Mechanical Engineer, Fuel Handling Equipment

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 Fuel Handling Equipment Design Engineer with expertise relevant to design, development, testing and manufacturing of automated systems for fuel handling and storage equipment. The successful candidate will be a critical member of the KP-FHR fuel handling and storage system.

This role will develop assigned equipment designs from concept development through detailed design, fabrication, assembly, and testing.  The engineer will develop custom mechanical and electromechanical equipment, create detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings, and design and test protypes to evaluate and mature equipment designs. 

This engineer will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, technicians, designers, and suppliers to support equipment fabrication, assembly, testing, and operation.

• →Support the design and prototyping of critical subsystems of the KP-FHR fuel handling and storage equipment.
• →Collaborate with manufacturing and operations at the KP-SW campus to support the manufacturing, assembly, and operation of high fidelity and full scall fuel handling equipment.
• →Create high fidelity non-standard, custom 3D equipment models and manufacturing drawings that meet the KP-FHR and test system requirements.
• →Design, build, and test prototype assemblies to demonstrate concept functionality and performance in prototypic conditions.
• →Design and build testing platforms for the exploration of design features that require maturation.
• →Create or direct the creation of manufacturing drawings for KP-FHR custom fuel handling equipment, and other moving components, and coordinate the fabrication with internal manufacturing operation and suppliers.
• →Incorporate manufacturing, assembly, and test feedback into equipment designs to support design maturation and manufacturability.
• →Contribute to make/buy analyses, supplier selections and the development of manufacturing plans.
• →Perform engineering calculations and analyses to support mechanical design decisions and component selection.
• →Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback into equipment designs, drawings, and prototypes.
• →Document prototype and test results and communicate findings to support design development and maturation.
• →Incorporate prototype, test, manufacturing, and assembly feedback into equipment designs and drawings.
• →Investigate and resolve mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, and test issues using established engineering methods, with technical guidance appropriate to the complexity of the issue and position level.
• →provide technical guidance to less experienced team members on assigned equipment designs and contribute to improvements in design, prototyping, or testing processes.
• →Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline plus 2-5 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience performing hands-on prototyping and testing of novel electromechanical systems.
• Experience interfacing with manufacturing teams and an understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Experience designing components in SolidWorks, including 3D modeling and creation of engineering drawings.
• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering is desirable
• Experience performing hands-on prototyping and testing of novel electromechanical systems is desirable
• Experience interfacing with manufacturing teams and an understanding of manufacturing processes is desirable
• Experience with machine motion is desirable
• LabVIEW or PLC integration experience is desirable

• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility.
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support critical project timelines, fabrication activities, testing, or deployment milestones.

To be completed by Recruiter:

The salary range for this position is $92,454 to $108,769 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 maybe 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. 

#LI-Onsite

• Working knowledge of mechanical design principles and engineering drawings
• Familiarity with mechanical or electromechanical systems, prototyping, and testing
• Ability to apply engineering principles to analyze and solve technical problems and evaluate alternative solutions against technical requirements
• Ability to work hands-on in a laboratory or manufacturing environment, including the use of hand tools as appropriate to assigned work
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and other members of multidisciplinary project teams
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and their application to mechanical component and equipment design
• Ability to interpret and apply technical requirements to equipment designs and drawings
• Ability to incorporate test, manufacturing, and assembly feedback into mechanical designs and drawings
• Ability to document test activities, results, and technical findings clearly and accurately
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like
• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 30 pounds in all directions
• 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
• Assembling and modifying prototype equipment, test fixtures, and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams
• Use of machine and hand tools

• General office environment
• Noisy environments
• Prototyping/Testing environment
• Manufacturing/Industrial Environment
• Laboratory environment

• 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 face mask, face shields, gloves, safety footwear, and other PPE as required

• Some travel may be required (10%)