Lead Operator, Engineering

Kairos Power is an advanced nuclear energy company developing fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (KP-FHR) designed to deliver safe, affordable, and reliable clean energy at scale. The company takes an iterative development approach, building and testing reactor systems progressively to reduce technical and commercial risk before full deployment. Their technology combines proven reactor physics with innovative design to close the gap between advanced nuclear concepts and commercial viability. Kairos Power is currently constructing the Hermes demonstration reactor series in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with permits from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, marking a significant milestone in de-risking nuclear construction and supply chains for future commercial fleets. The company has formed the KP-OMADA advanced nuclear alliance, collaborating with major partners including Google and the Tennessee Valley Authority to pioneer new models for advanced nuclear deployment. Kairos Power pursues vertical integration by manufacturing reactor components, plant equipment modules, fuel, and molten salt coolant in-house across facilities in California, New Mexico, and Tennessee, enabling tight quality control and cost reduction. This comprehensive, self-reliant approach positions Kairos Power as a distinctive force in the clean energy transition, with nuclear energy central to its mission of decarbonizing the global energy system.

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Lead Operator, Engineering with expertise in the commissioning and operations of complex plants. In this role, you will be the lead operations support through continuous testing operations and salt production facility operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead successful commissioning, testing, and operations of the Engineering Test Unit (ETU) alongside other Lead Operators
• Develop procedures and training material for the Engineering Test Unit and Salt Production Facility plants
• Troubleshoot equipment, electrical and instrumentation issues
• Lead and conducting Pre-Job briefs to various stakeholders within the organization
• Collaborate with Engineering Teams to understand the scope of test and hazards associated with the test
• Operate SCADA/HMI/Control Boards, high temperature pilot systems, pumps, valves, heaters blowers, compressors
• Periodically makes rounds of the plant to visually check equipment to validate proper operation
• Follow standard operating and emergency procedures until issues are resolved
• Develop testing procedures
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of one self and others
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar field 
• Experience with commissioning and operations activities associated with complex plants
• 7 years or greater of experience working within an operations environment
• Preferred experience with high temperature test systems, including molten salt applications
• Experience with writing, revising, and executing procedures while utilizing formal procedure writing and performance methods

 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in several NDT methods (e.g. ultrasonic testing included phased-array methods, radiography including computed tomography, eddy current methods, potential drop methods, etc.)
• Excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• 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

Physical Demands

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like
• Setting up and transferring temporary structures (e.g. scaffolding, ladders)
• 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

Environmental Conditions

• 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

Safety and PPE

• Ensure compliance with Control of Hazardous Energy and LOTO programs
• Ability to wear Respiratory protection and Tyvek as minimum PPE requirements 
• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes
• Handling of Beryllium (Be)

Travel

• Some travel may be required, up to 10%  

Additional Requirements

• Requires occasional working weekends
• Requires frequent schedule flexibility
• Requires occasional non-standard work-week hours
• Requires occasional extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

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