Fuels Program Operations Technologist - Mechanical

Company Overview

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.

Job Summary 

Reporting to the Fuel Operations Manager, this position contributes to the development and production of pebble fuel for Kairos Power’s fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor. The individual selected for this position will help construct, operate, and maintain mechanical equipment and work with engineers to execute the annular fuels R&D program. As part of an operations team, the individual selected for this position will run the manufacturing process for the facility, as well as implement other programmatic requirements required by code or regulation. This individual thrives in a fast-paced, positive environment, which values continuous improvement and accountability.

Responsibilities

Mechanical

• Assembles and installs process and auxiliary equipment into the assigned facilities. Frequently uses heavy equipment such as forklifts, telehandlers, and overhead hoists to support installation.
• Commissions, operates, and maintains the fuels program mechanical equipment.
• Performs acceptance tests following new equipment installation including hydrostatic and pneumatic tests.
• Perform preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on mechanical equipment.
• Performs troubleshooting of malfunctioning equipment and develops solutions to restore equipment to operation.
• Assists engineering staff in developing the mechanical maintenance and calibration program and critical spares list.
• Participate in engineering reviews and studies to support future equipment and facility upgrades.

Facility Operations

• Execute the manufacturing processes associated with the annular fuels program.
• Support the day-to-day operations of the facility; Startup, run, and shutdown heavy machinery and auxiliary equipment.
• Assist in performing and evaluating both destructive and non-destructive tests on annular fuel. Document results under the QA program.
• Identify equipment issues, provide recommended corrective actions, and participate in root cause analysis as necessary.
• Perform lockout-tagout of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Work with hazardous chemicals and radiological materials within glove-boxes, fume hoods, or  other engineered containment enclosures.
• Use tools such as drills, grinders, calipers, and presses, etc.
• Operate mobile equipment such as forklifts, loaders, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts.
• Understand and adhere to all safety rules and regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of education and/or work experience in a mechanical/ industrial operator profession. Power plant, manufacturing, or process plant work experience preferred. High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience performing maintenance on mechanical components including valves, pumps, gears, bearings, hydraulics, and/or pneumatics.
• Experience performing troubleshooting of mechanical components.
• Experience with and ability to follow work procedures, P&IDs, construction drawings, work permits, and technical manuals.
• Experience with lifting and setting heavy machinery and equipment using forklifts, telehandlers, and/or overhead cranes/hoists.
• Experience with orbital tube welding and/or brazing is a plus.
• Demonstrates capacity and willingness to learn and perform new duties or more complex assignments
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills

Physical Conditions 

• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 40 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment, or machinery
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams 

Environmental Conditions 

• High temperatures
• Noisy environments
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• 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 non-standard work-week hours
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines