Senior Engineer, Reactor Vessel Auxiliary Systems

Kairos Power • Alameda, IN

4d • $140,600 - $165,400 • Onsite

About The Position

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. The Reactor Vessel Auxiliary Systems team is seeking a highly motivated Senior Engineer to join the growing Reactor Systems department where you will have the opportunity to work directly on the design, integration, and assembly of the structures, systems, and components (SSCs) within the reactor cavity in a first-of-a-kind FHR. In this role, you will manage and coordinate the detailed layout of reactor cavity components including routing of fuel, salt, and gas lines from the reactor vessel through the bio-shield, locating remote handling accessible instrumentation, and standardizing common components and features. The position requires a strong aptitude for mechanical design, systems engineering, and high temperature components under irradiation. You will regularly interface with multi-disciplinary teams including nuclear design, civil structures, remote handling, reactor coolant auxiliary systems, reactor systems, safety analysis, instrumentation & controls, and plant design integration. You will work closely with these teams to implement component and instrumentation standardization, collaborate on SSC design, and develop a cavity layout that meets safety analysis, construction, and maintenance requirements for FHR demonstration reactors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Systems Engineering (or related discipline).
• 10+ years of experience in nuclear plant design, system integration or complex facility layout.
• Proven ability to lead cross-disciplinary integration and resolve technical and spatial conflicts.
• Demonstrated experience in system integration, equipment layout and standardization, and 3D CAD model management.
• Experience in reactor component fabrication and life cycle management processes including equipment qualification, in-service inspection, and other programs.
• Experience with configuration management systems or PLM tools.
• Experience with prototype or test rig development for mechanical systems.
• Experience working to a quality standard, such as ASME NQA-1 or ISO 9001.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with design and analysis of high-temperature and/or molten salt-wetted components under irradiation is a plus

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the 3D layout and spatial integration of all components within the reactor cavity including reactor vessel and support systems, instrumentation, shielding, and maintenance interfaces.
• Coordinate with mechanical, civil, and I&C design teams to define spatial, thermal, and functional interfaces between the reactor vessel, cavity systems, and bio-shield.
• Lead design integration reviews to ensure structures, systems, and component designs are compatible and accessible for installation and maintenance.
• Develop and implement standardized layouts, component interfaces, and remote maintenance connection strategies to streamline manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance operations.
• Establish and maintain common connection standards for electrical and gas connections, inspection devices, and instrumentation access.
• Collaborate with I&C engineers to define sensor and cabling layouts within the cavity for radiation monitoring, temperature, pressure, and neutron flux instrumentation.
• Create and review engineering documentation such as mechanical drawings, test plans, memos, specifications, and technical reports.
• Independently perform engineering analyses such as thermal analyses, structural analyses, and failure mode and effects analyses or guide these analyses when performed by Kairos Power teams.
• Regularly interface and communicate component requirements with other disciplinary teams including nuclear design, reactor systems, reactor coolant auxiliary systems, safety analysis, remote handling, and manufacturing.
• Maintain knowledge of and assess compliance with applicable codes and standards such as ASME, ANSI, ASTM, and others.
• Engage with manufacturing, assembly, and operations teams to support build, install, and maintenance operations.
• Perform design verification and validation activities to ensure system performance meets functional and safety requirements.
• Participate in hazard and failure analyses (HAZOP, FMEA, FTA) and incorporate safety insights into design iterations.
• Contribute to configuration management by maintaining design baselines, revision control, and traceability of changes.
• Assist in cost, schedule, and risk assessments related to mechanical design and plant layout activities.
• Participate in peer design reviews and technical audits to ensure compliance with quality and performance objectives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees