Associate Operator, Engineering Test Unit

Kairos Power•Albuquerque, NM

49d•Onsite

About The Position

Kairos Power is seeking a motivated and technically capable Associate Operator to support the safe and efficient operation of the Engineering Test Unit (ETU) - a critical facility for advancing the company's nuclear technology development. As an Associate Operator, you will be part of a high-performing team responsible for executing plant operations, monitoring equipment, collecting operational data, and supporting maintenance and testing activities. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an advanced engineering test facility and contribute directly to the development of next-generation nuclear energy systems.

Requirements

Associate degree in a Nuclear Technology or related program or equivalent or 2+ years of experience as a plant operator or technician (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, chemicals, power plant, military, or similar backgrounds are highly desired)
Experience with Instrumentation and Controls systems
Ability to understand, follow and create technical procedures.
Ability and interest in being cross trained and learning different processes to perform other jobs as needed.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials in PPE including SCBA, full-face respirator and Tyvek suit.
Familiarity with basic hand tools
Mechanically inclined with an ability to operate plant equipment, hands-on experience with plant equipment and operations desired
Computer skills including spreadsheet use.
Ability to communicate with others effectively.
Ability to read P&ID and mechanical/electrical drawings.
Always works in a safe and compliant manner.
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
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
Communicating with others to exchange information
Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment or machinery
Use hand tools
General office environment
Low temperatures
High temperatures
Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind
Noisy environments
Small and/or enclosed spaces
Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
Elevated heights
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced
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, self-contained breathing apparatus, full-face respirator, Tyvek suit, etc.
Handling of Beryllium (Be)
Some travel may be required (5%)
Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certification
Regularly requires overtime
Regularly requires working weekends
Regularly requires schedule flexibility
Regularly requires non-standard work-week hours
Regularly requires working 2nd shift, beginning at 3:00pm local time
Regularly requires working 3rd shift, beginning at 11:00pm local time
Regularly requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

Responsibilities

Procedure Writing:
Develop, maintain, and improve comprehensive operating procedures, control room manuals, and emergency response protocols.
Review and update technical documentation to reflect changes in plant design, control strategies, and operational practices.
Ensure all procedures meet regulatory, safety, and operational standards and are accessible and understandable for all operations personnel.
Plant Commissioning:
Participate actively in pre-commissioning and commissioning activities, including system walk-downs, loop checks, function testing, and validation of control systems.
Coordinate with engineering, construction, and vendor teams to ensure proper integration and functionality of control systems
Plant Operations:
Follows policies, principles, procedures, standards, and practices to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant areas.
Operates and field checks process equipment in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
Monitors process conditions, key performance metrics, equipment and control systems and makes appropriate decisions to maintain and/or achieve desired rates and conditions aligned with Kairos' goals.
Performs scheduled operational and related tasks and respond effectively to unplanned events and abnormal conditions.
Works with shift team members and other shift teams to leverage skills and knowledge to balance workload ensuring assigned tasks are completed by due dates.
Conducts effective shift relief, as defined in facility specific operating discipline and tools, to ensure effective communication and handoff to arriving shift team.
Maintains qualification in assigned areas, per Kairos' policy, and completes training goals in a timely manner; this includes using discretionary time to address skills and knowledge gaps.
Performs Immediate Response activities, as assigned.
Initiates and documents preliminary investigations in accordance with plant-specific processes and participates in formal and informal root cause analyses for assigned or relevant events.
Monitors and applies key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to plant operations to optimize performance and identify improvement opportunities; uses process knowledge to enhance plant efficiency and operational discipline, proactively recommending improvements through established facility improvement, management of change, and communication processes.
Performs minor maintenance, including minor repairs and preventative maintenance, utilizing appropriate policies, procedures, processes, and disciplines.
Commissions and operates mechanical and electrical equipment.
Prepares, reviews, and executes system and component level commissioning, and operating procedures.
Performs acceptance testing following new equipment installation including hydrostatic, pneumatic, I/O checks, and electrical component calibration checks.
Supports day-to-day operations of the assigned facility including startup, monitor, and shutdown processes and auxiliary equipment.
Performs chemistry sampling and analysis using standardized analytical instruments and procedures.
Performs equipment troubleshooting as necessary.
Perform Lockout/Tagout of mechanical and electrical equipment.
Reviews and executes hazardous operations per standardized operating procedures.
Other duties as assigned.