Senior Qualification Engineer, Pebble Handling and Storage

Company Overview

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.

Job Summary

The Senior Qualification Engineer, Pebble Handling and Storage, is responsible for coordinating, leading, and executing the qualification testing program for the KP-FHR fuel handling and storage subsystems. This role ensures rigorous planning, execution, and documentation of testing to achieve nuclear-grade quality standards. The Senior Qualification Engineer collaborates closely with design engineers and cross-functional teams to develop qualification plans, design and operate test stands, and validate component and system performance. This position requires both technical expertise and the ability to drive complex test programs from concept through successful qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, testing, and qualification of critical subsystems within the Kairos Power FHR (KP-FHR) fuel handling and storage equipment.
• Partner with design engineers to author qualification plans and establish clear testing paths to support system readiness for KP-FHR deployment.
• Develop, implement, and pilot qualification programs and procedures applicable to Reactor Systems.
• Design, build, and operate test stands—including high-temperature platforms—to demonstrate system functionality, reliability, and environmental compatibility.
• Generate 3D design layouts and 2D drawings for electro-mechanical test hardware.
• Direct or prepare detailed manufacturing drawings for custom test equipment, and coordinate fabrication with internal manufacturing teams and external suppliers.
• Create and manage detailed verification and acceptance test plans for both standard and custom components.
• Coordinate with test engineers to assemble, operate, and execute testing programs in alignment with qualification requirements.
• Ensure qualification activities comply with applicable nuclear regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal quality assurance processes.
• Analyze test results and provide data-driven recommendations for design improvements or corrective actions.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and team members involved in test planning and execution.
• Manage risks associated with testing activities, including safety, schedule, and technical performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related discipline is required. Master’s degree preferred.
• 5–8+ years of experience in qualification testing, mechanical systems design, or related engineering fields.
• Demonstrated experience with test planning, execution, and documentation in highly regulated or safety-critical industries (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, defense).
• Experience with CAD and engineering drawing standards (ASME Y14.5 GD&T preferred).
• Knowledge of quality assurance and regulatory frameworks relevant to nuclear or safety-class equipment (e.g., ASME, NRC, IEEE standards).
• Hands-on experience with test stand design, fabrication coordination, and operation.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electro-mechanical system design, qualification testing, and verification methods.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for generating 3D models and 2D engineering drawings.
• Ability to design and validate test stands, including experience with high-temperature systems and environmental simulation platforms.
• Skilled in authoring and executing qualification and acceptance test plans, with attention to rigor, traceability, and compliance with nuclear or safety-critical standards.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and ability to collaborate with fabrication teams and suppliers to deliver custom test hardware.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess test data, resolve technical issues, and ensure reliability of results.
• Effective project management skills, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating complex test activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to document and present test plans, procedures, and res