Electrochemical Engineer

Kairos Power•Alameda, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Electrochemical Engineer focused on fluoride salt chemistry, with expertise in molten salt test equipment, electrochemical sensors, signal interpretation, and electrochemical process engineering. The role contributes to the operation of the company’s engineering testing and salt chemistry capabilities involving molten salts, including Flibe. The successful candidate will bring knowledge of electrochemistry, molten salt electrochemical processing and chemistry, associated hardware, and high-temperature system design, and will enjoy hands-on laboratory work. The position involves designing, building, testing, and evaluating electrochemical sensors and electrolytic cells; interpreting electrochemical data; supporting commissioning and operation of molten Flibe equipment; and collaborating with analytical chemists, materials scientists, process engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers. The engineer will also develop and maintain test procedures and measurement protocols, investigate unexpected results and equipment issues, standardize monitoring and documentation, and prepare technical reports. Work includes handling molten fluoride salts and beryllium-containing materials under approved safety procedures and controls. The position is based onsite at Kairos Power’s Alameda, California headquarters. Some travel may be required (10%), and occasional schedule flexibility is required. The stated salary range is $122,270 to $143,847.

Requirements

B.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience in electrochemistry, preferably involving molten salts, high-temperature systems, electrochemical processing, or closely related applications.
Experience developing or executing experimental procedures and documenting results in accordance with established laboratory or engineering quality practices.
Advanced knowledge of molten salt electrochemistry, including theory and practical applications.
Knowledge of experimental design as applied to electrochemical testing.
Knowledge of corrosion science related to molten fluoride salts and high-temperature materials compatibility.
Ability to evaluate measurement repeatability and sources of uncertainty.
Ability to develop technically defensible conclusions from complex or incomplete experimental data.
Ability to collaborate across technical teams, including chemists, engineers, and technicians.
Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain clear, accurate records of experimental procedures, test results, and system configurations.
Proficiency analyzing electrochemical data with MATLAB, Python, or equivalent tools for signal processing, visualization, and interpretation.
Understanding of calibration, maintenance, and validation procedures for electrochemical sensors and test equipment.
Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills and a collaborative approach.
Knowledge of hazards and established controls for high-temperature molten fluoride salts and beryllium-containing materials.
Ability to follow approved chemical-hygiene, material-handling, contamination-control, and emergency-response procedures.
Commitment to prioritizing and ensuring the safety of oneself and others.
Ability to meet the physical and environmental demands described in the posting, including lifting or moving objects up to 50 pounds, working in confined and high-temperature environments, and wearing required PPE.
Authorization from the Department of Energy to access Part 810-controlled information is required to work in the facility.

Nice To Haves

Experience with integrated mechanical, fluidic, and chemical process systems, including troubleshooting and iterative design.
Familiarity with research and industrial electrochemistry data acquisition, instrumentation, and controls.
Experience with high-temperature experimental setups, corrosion analysis, or fluoride salt handling.
Prior experience in a laboratory or pilot-scale R&D environment supporting test programs or multidisciplinary engineering efforts.
Prior experience with Flibe chemistry or related salt systems in a nuclear, chemical, or energy-related context.

Responsibilities

Design, build, test, and evaluate electrochemical sensors and electrolytic cells for molten fluoride salt chemistry systems.
Analyze and interpret electrochemical signals and troubleshoot sensors on molten fluoride equipment at laboratory and industrial scales.
Collaborate with analytical chemists, materials scientists, and process engineers to relate electrochemical information to salt purity, corrosion, and process engineering.
Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers on electrochemical sensors and process equipment for industrial-scale systems.
Support system shakedown and troubleshoot molten Flibe equipment during commissioning and operation.
Support root-cause investigations of unexpected electrochemical measurements, sensor failures, or test-system performance.
Develop or maintain electrochemical test procedures, measurement protocols, and acceptance criteria to improve repeatability and comparability.
Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data to standardize electrochemical monitoring between programs.
Work with molten fluoride salts and beryllium-containing materials in accordance with approved procedures, engineering controls, chemical-hygiene practices, required PPE, and applicable EHS requirements.
Document test methods, results, observations, and conclusions, and prepare technical and engineering reports.
Perform other duties as assigned.