Fuels Program Operator

Job Summary

Reporting to the Fuel Operations Manager, the Fuels Program Operations Operator supports the development and production of pebble fuel for Kairos Power’s fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor. This role is responsible for operating and maintaining laboratory production equipment and executing manufacturing processes in a safe and compliant manner. Working as part of a collaborative operations team, the operator ensures quality standards are met while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain fuel manufacturing equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Monitor process conditions and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Assist in executing the manufacturing process for pebble fuel, TRISO particles, and related support operations.
• Inspect materials, in-process components, and finished products to verify compliance with quality and safety standards; identify and report non-conformities to leadership.
• Ensure testing and inspection equipment is calibrated and functioning correctly.
• Document and report test data, inspection results, and production data to ensure traceability; contribute to drafting quality reports.
• Support continuous improvement of quality control procedures and production workflows.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and facilities teams to evaluate and improve workflows, resource utilization, production layouts, and integrated operations.
• Identify areas for process optimization and assist in implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement strategies.
• Develop and maintain accurate documentation, including work instructions, process improvements, and engineering standards.
• Provide training and operational guidance to team members on best practices and new technologies; contribute to a positive team culture focused on learning, safety, and performance.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to support decision-making and process evaluation.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on production equipment to minimize downtime and ensure reliability.
• Assist with tracking and managing raw materials, consumables, and tools to support uninterrupted operations.
• Actively participate in EHS programs, including hazard identification, reporting, and corrective actions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by following established housekeeping standards and promptly addressing hazards or inefficiencies in the workspace.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in engineering technology, industrial operations, or a related technical field preferred.
• Minimum of 1+ years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Quality Sciences, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Experience developing or implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, or job aids is a plus.
• Experience in a ISO Certified Organization that uses process control and prior step verification is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic knowledge of production machinery operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing or control systems (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, SCADA).
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents such as blueprints and manuals.
• Familiarity with quality control processes and safety regulations in manufacturing.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and solve production problems early.
• Basic computer skills for data logging to input and track production data.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and follow instructions carefully.
• Demonstrates capacity and willingness to learn and perform new duties or more complex assignments
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of one self 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 Demands

• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 40 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment, or machinery
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams
• Use hand tools

Environmental Conditions

• High temperatures
• 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
• Radiological or Controlled Environment
   

Safety and PPE

• Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials
• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Handling of radiological materials
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, respirators, gloves, safety shoes, etc.

Additional Requirements

• Occasionally requires working weekends
• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility
• Occasionally requires non-standard work-week hours
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

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