Operations Engineer

Kairos Power•Oak Ridge, TN

About The Position

Kairos Power is seeking an Operations Engineer to integrate the conditions needed for efficient execution of reactor builds. The role supports overall build execution by aligning people, parts, plant, planning, engineering readiness, quality, tooling, and constraints. It owns the integrated master execution schedule and administers the Last Planner process, using AI-enabled tools to improve constraint visibility, schedule quality, and decision speed. Near-term planning may use a physical Last Planner board, with commitments, constraints, and variance data captured to improve planning for future builds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Construction Management, Operations Research, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
Typically 3+ years of experience in complex project execution, production planning, construction planning, manufacturing operations, commissioning, or integrated scheduling; candidates with less experience may be considered based on demonstrated capability.
Experience integrating schedules with material, labor, engineering, quality, and physical-work constraints.
Working knowledge of critical path, look-ahead planning, constraint management, and production control.
Strong quantitative, analytical, and communication skills.
Proficiency with AI-enabled tools, or demonstrated ability to learn and apply new digital tools effectively.
Ability to identify and evaluate dependencies across functions, systems, and organizational boundaries.
Ability to prioritize executable, decision-useful plans and schedules based on current readiness and constraints.
Ability to facilitate cross-functional planning discussions, establish clear commitments, and follow through on assigned actions.
Ability to identify and prioritize constraints that materially affect execution and schedule progress.
Ability to make or support timely planning decisions using incomplete information and clearly communicate assumptions and uncertainty.
Ability to evaluate reported status critically and constructively address unsupported assumptions about schedule risks.
Ability to use performance data and lessons learned to improve planning processes, tools, and future execution.
Ability to read and interpret hazardous warning signs, report equipment issues or unsafe conditions, and wear required personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the Last Planner System or lean construction/production methods is strongly desirable.

Responsibilities

Own and maintain the integrated master execution schedule for assigned reactor build, integration, Test and Activation, fueling, and related operational activities.
Administer the Last Planner process and translate long-range milestones into credible near-term executable work.
Integrate personnel availability, material and part status, plant and facility readiness, work-package maturity, engineering completion, quality requirements, tooling, and prerequisite activities.
Identify constraints before they disrupt field work and coordinate timely resolution with responsible owners.
Maintain clear views of work that is executable now, approaching readiness, or at risk.
Analyze sequencing alternatives and reduce avoidable latency, handoff delays, resource conflicts, and work-front congestion.
Coordinate closely with Build Engineers, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Construction, Test and Activation teams, and leadership.
Use AI-enabled tools to synthesize status across enterprise systems, identify emerging conflicts, evaluate scenarios, and automate routine reporting.
Develop or tailor lightweight planning and visualization tools within approved guardrails when existing tools do not adequately support execution and planning needs.
Capture and apply lessons from schedule performance and constraint resolution to improve future reactor planning.
Perform other duties as assigned.