Senior Engineer

Job Summary

Kairos Power is looking for an experienced Sr. mechanical engineer to lead the engineering design of vessels on medium to large projects for a generation IV Nuclear Power Plant, and related scaled prototype and engineering test plants. The successful candidate will be an expert in codes and standards applicable to advanced nuclear reactor development technology. The candidate shall also be responsible for meeting the specific project requirements and assuring the technical correctness of design, compliance to code and standards, project budget and project schedules.

Responsibilities

• Develop models, analyze structures and components using FEA for compliance with internal KP standards and guidelines, project requirements and, codes and standards such as ASME Section III Division 5 and Section VIII Division 1 and 2.
• Perform stress analysis and post-processing of analysis data of vessels and components using both classic and finite element analysis methods.
• Visualize and develop various load cases with different operating scenarios (dynamic and static) which include all physical properties of the vessel as applicable.
• Serviceability assessment of damaged or flawed components based on crack growth concepts and fracture mechanics.
• Work directly with other disciplines (manufacturing, procurement, civil,  and others) to ensure well integrated design that meets manufacturability, cost competitiveness and other requirement.
• Develop and use hand and computer calculations, spreadsheets, programs, or other tools for design.
• Provide organized and well written reports and presentations to describe assumptions, steps taken, and results from work performed.
• Provide leadership by learning, developing, and coordinating new techniques, standardizing procedures, and providing technical instruction and mentoring to department staff.
• Mentor and train entry level engineers in stress analysis and life assessment techniques.
• Assist and provide guidance on field inspections, fabrication and installation of equipment.
• Develop long-term strategies for component monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and end-of-life assessments for critical mechanical systems.
• Implement design change procedures, ensuring that any modifications are reviewed, approved, and documented according to industry and organizational standards.
• Review vendor specifications and drawings, conduct technical evaluations, and ensure manufacturing or testing aligns with project requirements and codes.
• Oversee project planning, including budgeting, resource allocation, and scheduling, ensuring on-time and on-budget project delivery.
• Organize and participate in methods like HAZOPs, FMEAs, and fault tree analyses to identify and mitigate mechanical and operational risks.
• Provide expertise in welding processes, materials selection, and relevant ASME/AWS codes, ensuring that manufacturing procedures align with quality standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Mechanical Engineering or similar field of study.
• 10+ years of experience in engineering organization involved in chemical, power or nuclear industry engineering design and analysis.
• Must have Professional Engineering (PE) License, preferably in CA, or the ability to get certification within 12 months.
• Experienced with construction Codes and Standards specifically ASME Section III Division 5, Section VIII Division 1 and 2, or similar codes and standards.
• Preferably have knowledge of fatigue, corrosion and high temperature creep life assessment using finite element analyses to meet latest codes and standard requirements.
• Familiarity with advanced materials, welding processes, and high-temperature alloys used in pressure vessel and component manufacturing is desirable.
• Experience in fatigue, corrosion, and high-temperature creep life assessment methodologies is desired.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in finite element analysis (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS).
• Proficient in structural analysis of mechanical components and pressure vessels.
• Competent in writing software scripts to post-process analysis results. 
• Familiar in SolidWorks modeling for vessel and component design.  
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself 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

• 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 25 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind 
• Noisy environments
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Evaluated heights
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• 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 25%

Certification

• Must have PE certification or the ability to obtain license within 12 months

Additional Requirements

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

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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