Principal Engineer, Power Generation 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

We are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to lead the development of the KP-FHR Power Generation System (PGS), including steam cycles and associated equipment. Reporting to the Director of Power Generation Systems, you will develop technical design solutions to enable the rapid development and integration of KP-FHR PGS Structures, Systems and Components (SSCs). This role requires a visionary leader with extensive experience in thermal systems and power conversion technologies to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation of the plant's energy conversion processes.

Responsibilities

Design and develop the PGS, focusing on steam cycle, turbine, condenser, and related auxiliary systems options that meet Kairos Power's FHR deployment objectives

Lead design trades, performance analyses and optimization of the steam cycle to maximize efficiency and output

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate the PGS with overall plant design and operations

Manage and coordinate external partners, suppliers, regulators and vendors in the area of power generation

Oversee the preparation of technical specifications, design documents, and system drawings for all PGS components

Perform feasibility studies and risk assessments related to power conversion technologies and systems

Mentor and guide engineering team, promoting professional growth and innovation in power conversion solutions

Present findings and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of technical concepts and strategies

Support commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of the PGS during the plant's startup phase

Stay abreast of industry advancements, best practices, and emerging technologies in power conversion and nuclear energy

Other duties as assigned Qualifications

M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

15+ years of experience in the design and development of power conversion systems, particularly in the nuclear or thermal power sectors

Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer principles as they relate to steam cycles

Demonstrated experience in managing complex engineering projects and leading technical teams, with thorough understanding of evaluation, design, and licensing of a new technology

Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards for nuclear power systems

Proficiency in engineering simulation and analysis software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Thermoflex, etc.)

Experience with heat transport systems using molten salt or other high temperature fluids is a plus

Track record of physical hardware deployment is a plus

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of optimizing system performance

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical information to varied audiences

Ability to foster an environment that creates new and better ways to be successful

Excellent communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills; must be able to interact and communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, and with external partners

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 Conditions

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another

Communicating with others to exchange information Environmental Conditions

General office environment

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

Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions Travel

Some travel may be required, up to 25% Additional Requirements

Occasionally requires schedule flexibility

Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines The salary range for this position is $166,700 to $208,400 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 may be used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role.

About our Benefits

We know that we have some of the most talented and dedicated employees, and we believe in rewarding them accordingly. If you work here, full-time employees (excludes interns) expect to have access to the benefits below:

Competitive compensation packages

Medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and their dependents

Paid Vacation

401(k) and pre-tax health insurance, dependent care, and commuter benefits (FSA)

Kairos Power is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities where we do business. Kairos Power is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We actively welcome people of different experiences, abilities, and perspectives.

Kairos Power participates in E-Verify.

Candidates only, no recruiters or agencies please.

Note: You are applying for a position that is located in a facility that handles information that is subject to export control restrictions by the Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. To work in this facility, you need to be authorized by the Department of Energy to access Part 810-controlled information. Foreign nationals who are citizens of countries that are not on the Department of Energy's general authorization list (link below) are not permitted to work in our facility unless the Department of Energy issues an export control license to the company to permit that individual to have access to Part 810-controlled information. The following questions are intended to determine the licensing requirements that may apply.