Senior Manager, Engineering Operations

Kairos Power•Oak Ridge, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Kairos Power is seeking a senior leader to lead and scale engineering operations and test execution capabilities in a 24/7 environment. The role selects, trains, develops, and directs multidisciplinary engineering support teams, operators, and technical staff responsible for high-temperature testing campaigns and commissioning complex experimental systems. Its scope is expected to expand to include activation and operations of Kairos Power’s operational nuclear reactors. The position provides strategic oversight of operations management, systems integration, process development, training, and safety compliance. The Senior Manager will help shape the design, operation, and evolution of experimental and operational facilities supporting the deployment of energy technologies. The role is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for approximately the first 12 months, then transitions to Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in energy, nuclear, chemical, industrial, or other high-hazard or regulated operations.
At least 5 years of leadership experience managing technical or operational teams.
Extensive experience and familiarity with P&IDs, process control systems such as SCADA, instrumentation, or comparable industrial control systems.
Ability to obtain and maintain Plant Manager/SRO certification and applicable emergency-response qualifications.
Knowledge of commissioning, startup, operational readiness, and transition-to-operations processes.
Knowledge of nuclear safety culture, conservative decision-making, procedural adherence, and operational discipline.
Ability to develop, implement, and improve operating procedures, management processes, training programs, and qualification frameworks.
Ability to establish and maintain data integrity, system reliability, and operational controls for test and plant systems.
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in 24/7, high-risk operational environments.
Strong strategic planning and organizational alignment capabilities.
Expertise in operational excellence, continuous improvement, and system reliability.
Advanced knowledge of SCADA systems, process controls, and P&ID interpretation.
Skill in risk identification, mitigation, and decision-making under uncertainty.
In-depth understanding of EHS standards, JHA development, and regulatory compliance.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Proficiency in change management and integration of new technologies into operations.
Strong project and resource management skills, including oversight of infrastructure investments, operational budgets, and capital planning.
Ability to work collaboratively, solve problems efficiently, prioritize the safety of oneself and others, proactively collect and transfer knowledge, and identify novel ways to improve efficiency.
Ability to work some weekends, maintain schedule flexibility, and occasionally work non-standard hours or extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines.
Ability to travel up to 10% may be required.
Must be authorized by the Department of Energy to access Part 810-controlled information at the facility.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MS, MBA, or PhD).
Experience leading or overseeing 24/7 operations.
Experience in nuclear operations, advanced reactor operations, nuclear commissioning, or startup of regulated nuclear facilities.
Experience with radiological monitoring, radiological controls, and hazardous-material management.
Experience supporting NRC licensing activities, regulatory inspections, audits, or other regulatory interfaces.
Experience developing or overseeing operator training and qualification programs.

Responsibilities

Provide vision and direction for 24/7 engineering operations in alignment with company objectives and milestones.
Develop and execute long-term plans to expand operations capabilities, streamline execution, and improve reliability across test platforms.
Establish and reinforce operational standards that promote continuous improvement, safety, technical rigor, and operational excellence.
Identify, evaluate, and mitigate operational, technical, regulatory, safety, and organizational risks.
Lead a diverse team of managers, operators, and engineers, and develop leaders throughout the organization.
Develop organizational capability through employee development, succession planning, performance management, and recognition programs.
Provide senior oversight of test campaign planning, readiness reviews, execution protocols, and post-test analysis.
Establish and maintain a strong nuclear safety culture, conservative decision-making practices, procedural compliance, and operational excellence.
Lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of site operating programs, procedures, work controls, and management processes.
Ensure facilities are staffed, trained, qualified, and prepared for commissioning, initial criticality, startup, and sustained operations.
Oversee operational readiness, including organizational and procedure readiness, training and qualification, staffing, equipment readiness, and emergency preparedness.
Develop and implement a progressive program to staff and operate next-generation Small Modular Reactors safely and compliantly.
Collaborate with Engineering, EHS, R&D, Operations, Quality, and other teams to establish and refine test procedures and operating envelopes.
Ensure data integrity and reliability of operational and test systems, including SCADA, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
Establish and refine standard operating procedures and shift operations frameworks across testing and operational facilities.
Implement reliability-centered maintenance and root cause analysis methods for recurring issues.
Oversee system upgrades, change control, and integration of new technologies or designs into operations.
Ensure operations comply with EHS and Nuclear Regulatory Commission policies and licenses.
Work with EHS to develop and approve Job Hazard Analyses, permitting procedures, Risk Management Plans, and emergency response planning.
Serve as an escalation point for safety and operational incidents and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
Communicate operational readiness, risk posture, and strategic recommendations to senior leaders, program managers, and technical directors.
Represent engineering operations in cross-organizational working groups and governance forums.
Support regulatory and audit preparation as required by industry standards or internal review bodies.
Oversee commissioning and transition to operations for new operational and experimental facilities.
Lead cost-efficiency and capital-planning efforts for infrastructure and operational assets.
Stay current with relevant developments in energy operations, plant engineering and operations, and automation.
Perform additional duties as required.