Materials Testing Engineer - Early Career

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Materials, this position is responsible for materials testing in molten salt and contributes to the materials testing of metallic materials and the development and deployment of plant components. The candidate needs to have experience in assembly and maintenance of test hardware, power supplies, heater controllers, control and instrumentation, and general laboratory equipment (i.e., vacuum pumps, gas transfer systems, furnaces, etc.). This role will involve both routine and novel testing, modifications to experimental test hardware, development, and implementation of test procedures within Kairos Power’s laboratories and in particular the Salt-laboratory, while maintaining and developing safety practices for testing materials in these environments. Thrives in a fast-paced, positive environment, which values continuous improvement and accountability.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform materials testing using In-Situ Mechanical (ISM) and salt corrosion test systems such as the Rotating Cage Loop (RCL) test system in Kairos Power’s Salt Laboratory
• Supporting test preparation, assembly, data recording, basic maintenance & trouble shooting of electromechanical & fluid systems
• Execute tests and collect and organize data based on guidance from Responsible Engineers
• Investigate improvements in test hardware or test procedures for optimizing test operations
• Procure, install, commission, operate, and maintain lab equipment
• Perform routine laboratory duties: order chemicals and equipment consumables, lead lab clean-up and organization
• Participate in developing safe operations for new experiments, safety planning, and communication for tests
• Support laboratory scheduling, consumable tracking, and procurement
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• B.S. in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent degree with direct experience in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or engineering lab testing experience
• Experience in mechanical testing and/or corrosion testing
• 3+ years professional experience working in a laboratory environment (can be concurrent with education)
• Demonstrated practical skills for installing and operating scientific equipment
• Experience in troubleshooting lab equipment: gloveboxes, furnaces, chillers, pumps, data acquisition systems, etc.
• Experience in supporting test equipment, procedure development and routine operation
• Must be proficient in the use of hand and powered shop tools
• Must be able to use basic mechanical inspection tools
• Must be able to use multimeters and other basic electrical diagnostic equipment
• Demonstrated safety skills and understanding of chemical hygiene and hazardous waste generation
• Must be able to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Careful workmanship, attention to detail, and accurate logging of data are required

 Physical & Environmental Conditions

• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces
• Adjust, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 30 pounds in all directions
• Operate motor vehicles, heavy equipment or machinery and use hand tools
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams
• Work environment: high temperature, noisy environments, and odors and fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face masks, face shields, gloves, safety shoes
• Travel may be required to other Kairos Power offices and customer locations
• Ability to support occasional weekend or evening work in the lab, if necessary
• Working extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines as needed

Safety and PPE
Varies by role. Will be provided prior to interview.

Travel
Varies by role. Extremely limited.

This is a pipeline requisition. Qualified candidates will be considered for open 2022 early career positions as they become available.