Mechanical Design Engineer, Chemistry Control System

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 

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Design Engineer with expertise relevant to design, prototyping and functionality testing of components for high-temperature fluids systems. The successful candidate will be focusing on designing and early testing of molten salt facing components as filters, pumps, sensors, stainless steel vessels and piping systems intended for a first-of-a-kind Kairos Power FHR (KP-FHR) molten salt chemistry control system.

Responsibilities 

• Support the design and prototyping of first-of-a-kind components of the KP-FHR chemistry control system such as filters assemblies, pumps, and sensors.
• Create high-fidelity non-standard, custom 3D equipment models that meet the KP-FHR requirements. Create or direct the creation of manufacturing drawings and coordinate the fabrication with internal manufacturing operation and suppliers.
• Support chemistry control system process design, including supporting vessels and piping design, static and thermal stress analysis, and process and instrumentation diagram (PI&D) updates, to ensure development of a process that meets all requirements.
• Build and test prototype assemblies to demonstrate concept functionality and performance in prototypic conditions.
• Work closely with internal Kairos Power R&D and testing teams, leading the design and standup-up of high-temperature testing platforms to validate functionalities at laboratory and industrial scale.
• Engage with manufacturing and operations at the KP-SW campus to support the manufacturing, assembly, and operation of full-scale chemistry control system equipment.
• Contribute to make/buy analysis, supplier selections and the development of manufacturing plans.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Nuclear Engineering with 2+ years of work experience.
• Solidworks (or comparable CAD software) experience required, ANSYS or other FEA experience is desired.
• High-temperature molten salt or other high-temperature fluid systems design experience desired. Experience designing mechanical components such as filters, tanks, pipe, mechanical fixtures, and supporting static loads is preferred.
• Experience designing in quality-controlled environments with high attention to detail such as Nuclear, Energy, Chemical, Petrochemical, Defense, or Aerospace applications.
• Experience performing hands on prototyping and testing of novel electromechanical systems.
• Experience interfacing with manufacturing teams and an understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Experience with drafting, design for manufacturing and GD&T is desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Experience with process design, developing and reviewing PFDs and P&IDs, is preferred.
• Laboratory and other experimental experience with hands-on experience is preferred

Physical Conditions 

• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 20 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Use hand tools

Environmental Conditions

• 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

• 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 shoes

Travel

• Some travel may be required up to 20% 

Additional Requirements

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

The salary range for this position is $98,100 to $115,400 for