Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Test with deep expertise in designing, building, and operating complex systems that integrate mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical components. This role will focus on the development of test systems that support the advancement of Kairos Power’s nuclear reactor subsystems.

The successful candidate will contribute to both conceptual and detailed design efforts across multiple engineering domains and must be proficient in mechanical CAD with a strong understanding of physics fundamentals. We’re looking for a collaborative, hands-on, and detail-oriented individual with a strong systems mindset and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and support the development of thermal, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems for experimental and operational applications.
• Create and manage detailed engineering drawings for component and assembly definition using industry best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and lab technicians to implement, commission, and maintain test systems.
• Lead or contribute to the manufacturing and assembly of test fixtures and setups in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Monitor, inspect, and support ongoing lab test operations, resolving issues in real time.
• Develop and author operational procedures, including data collection methods and safety protocols.
• Write technical reports to summarize test outcomes, capture design insights, and document lessons learned.
• Demonstrate leadership in multi-disciplinary teams, guiding the design, implementation, and operation of complex mechanical systems aligned with project objectives.
• Mentor and support the growth of junior engineers, sharing knowledge and promoting technical leadership development.
• Establish and communicate engineering best practices, design standards, and structured design review processes.
• Lead and participate in design reviews, ensuring alignment with performance goals, regulatory standards, and stakeholder requirements.
• Support additional duties as assigned, including occasional travel to partner or test facilities.
• Develop and manage test plans, protocols, and acceptance criteria to validate system performance against design requirements.
• Perform root cause analysis of test or system failures and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Coordinate with external vendors and partners for design, fabrication, and integration of test equipment, ensuring compliance with specifications.
• Lead hazard analyses and risk assessments for test systems, integrating mitigation strategies into design and operation.
• Maintain configuration and change management of test systems, drawings, and documentation to ensure traceability across the lifecycle.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with program objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with 6+ years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with 4+ years or PHD with 1+.
• Degrees in other engineering disciplines will be considered with demonstrated mechanical systems expertise.
• Proven, hands-on experience in mechanical system design and implementation, particularly in complex, multi-domain environments.
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to document system requirements, operational philosophies, assumptions, and design decisions clearly.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and coordinating cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience with a range of engineering analysis and simulation tools, such as FEA, CFD, kinematic analysis, heat transfer, or system modeling tools.
• Experience working with pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical components in integrated systems.
• Demonstrated success in mechanism design, assembly, and testing.
• Experience with high-temperature coolants, such as molten salts preferred.
• Background in nuclear, aerospace, or other regulated industries preferred.
• Experience with configuration and change management of test systems and documentation.
• Experience developing and executing test plans, procedures, and validation protocols for complex mechanical and integrated systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong understanding of engineering drawing standards, including GD&T.
• Proficient in lab instrumentation, data acquisition, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and welding techniques.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; effective in multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with applicable engineering standards, codes, and regulatory requirements relevant to testing and system design.
• Ability to design, execute, and analyze test campaigns with accurate data collection and interpretation to validate design performance and support decision-making.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in system design and testing, with strong knowledge of hazard analysis and safety assurance practices for laboratory and operational environments.
• Proficiency in applying systems engineering principles, including requirements definition, traceability, and verification/validation of integrated systems.
• Proficiency in configuration management, documentation control, and maintaining traceability of design changes.
• Ability to manage technical projects, including scope, schedule, and resource allocation, to meet program goals.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to effectively engage with external vendors, partners, and internal stakeholders. 
• Proficiency with data acquisition systems and test automation tools, with the ability to analyze large datasets using software such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, or Python.
• Strong ability to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve system reliability and test processes.
• Ability to evaluate and provide technical oversight of vendor-supplied components, systems, or services to ensure compliance with design and testing requirements.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) and requirements management tools to support configuration control and design traceability.

Additional Requirements

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

Physical Demands

• 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 50 pounds in all directions

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• Prototyping/Test Facilities
• Manufacturing/Industrial Environments

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Color identification: detecting, distinguishing, recognizing and identifying colors
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, etc.

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required

The salary range for this position is $140,600 to $165,400 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. 

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