Mechanical Technician

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Engineering Technician with expertise relevant to research & development (R&D) assembly, operation and maintenance of engineering infrastructure and test equipment. In this role, you will contribute to development and deployment of the company’s engineering testing capabilities including assembly and maintenance of hardware, power supplies, heater controllers, control and instrumentation, general laboratory equipment (i.e. vacuum pumps, gas transfer systems, furnaces, chemical testing equipment). This role will involve modifying experimental setup and working within Kairos Powers’ Salt Laboratory, including the development of safety practices for handling toxic solids, liquids, and gasses. The ideal candidate takes pride in their hands-on work, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Work within the Salt Laboratory to perform R&D with Kairos Powers’ molten salt coolant; LiF-BeF2
• Assisting with test preparation, assembly, data recording, basic maintenance & trouble shooting of electromechanical & fluid systems
• Execute tests and collect and organize data based on guidance from engineers
• Procure, install, commission, operate, and maintain lab equipment
• Perform routine laboratory duties; order chemicals and equipment consumables, lab clean up and organization
• Participate in developing safe operations for new experiments, safety planning, and communication for tests
• Assist laboratory scheduling, consumable tracking, and procurement
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• 3+ years professional experience working in a laboratory environment
• Demonstrated practical skills for developing and installing scientific equipment
• 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
• Knowledge 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
• Experience in troubleshooting lab equipment (gloveboxes, furnaces, chillers, pumps, data acquisition systems, etc.) preferred
• Experience with test equipment, method, procedure development and routine operation preferred 
• 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

• 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
• 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
• Evaluated heights
• 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
• 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 15% 

Certification

• Capable of obtaining a forklift and boom lift certification
• Capable of obtaining a crane certification

Additional Requirements 

• Occasionally requires overtime
• Seldom 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 $85,300 to $100,400 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.

#LI-Onsite