Nuclear Methods Engineer

Job Summary

Kairos Power is currently seeking a Nuclear Engineer to join our Nuclear Design and Methods team and assist in the design and construction of our Gen IV test reactor, Hermes. As we work towards achieving first criticality by 2026, we are searching for a highly motivated individual who is eager to make a tangible impact in the world. At Kairos Power, we value collaboration and innovation, and we welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds to join our team.

As a member of the Nuclear Design and Methods team, you will play an integral role in the development of Hermes, contributing to a historical milestone and working alongside a team of skilled professionals. The ideal candidate will share our passion for improving people's quality of life through the development and deployment of advanced reactors. We are looking for someone with a strong technical foundation in methods pertaining to neutronics, reactor physics, radiation transport and detection, T/H and Neutronics coupled phenomena, and who possesses a natural inclination towards innovation.

In this fast-paced environment, the ability to quickly learn and apply technical knowledge is essential. If you possess a strong drive to succeed and are excited about the prospect of contributing to a real-world project with significant global implications, we encourage you to apply for this position. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of nuclear methods development, contributing to the safety and success of advanced nuclear technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of innovative nuclear methods to support the Final Safety Analysis report (FSAR) of the Hermes test reactor. Oversee the entire life cycle of method development, from concept to implementation.
• Identify and collaborate with key stakeholders in design and licensing departments to understand their specific needs
• Develop comprehensive method requirements based on stakeholder input
• Identify uncertainties in nuclear methods and develop validation approaches to address them
• Work closely with stakeholders to ensure alignment between method development and validation needs
• Develop and curate V&V approaches for each application of nuclear information
• Ensure alignment with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Understand use cases for nuclear information in salt system and reactor system design
• Tailor method development and V&V approaches for specific applications
• Continuously work towards achieving a minimum viable product for nuclear methods
• Drive iterative improvements based on feedback and evolving requirements
• Foster effective communication and collaboration within the methods development team and with cross-functional teams
• Present findings, progress, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Implement and oversee software quality assurance processes to ensure the reliability and accuracy of developed methods
• Define and enforce acceptance criteria for nuclear methods
• Maintain thorough and accurate documentation of all aspects of method development, validation, and acceptance criteria
• Stay updated on nuclear industry regulations and ensure all methods adhere to relevant safety and quality standards
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers in the methods development team
• Conduct training sessions to enhance the team's skills and knowledge

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related field
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in nuclear methods development, software quality assurance, and method qualification
• Proven expertise in Verification and Validation (V&V) processes and defining acceptance criteria
• Familiarity with I/O of Serpent2, MCNP, SCALE, PARCS/AGREE, StarCCM+, RELAP/SAM, BISON, and other relevant tools and methods
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of one self and others
• 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 Conditions

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions 

• General office environment
• High temperatures
• Accessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

Additional Requirements

• Occasionally requires working weekends
• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

The salary range for this position is $129,800 to $152,700 for employees working onsite at our Alameda, CA headquarters. The range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate of candidates hired in California. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role.

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