Part-time Characterization Co-Op

Job Summary

The part-time Characterization Co-Op will work in the Fuels and Materials team to support various materials qualification programs, fuels fabrication programs, and deployment of new characterization capabilities. You will report to the Manager of Characterization and work closely with the lead for characterization at Kairos Power’s Albuquerque location. We are looking for a Co-op to join us during the school year from January to June 2024 with opportunity for extension into the summer. 

Responsibilities

• Perform characterization to support structural materials qualification programs, including metallographic sample preparation, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron back-scatter diffraction, optical microscopy.
• Perform characterization to support TRISO and fuel pebble fabrication and quality control programs, including metallographic sample preparation, X-ray computed tomography
• Develop new characterization methods in wet chemistry and analytical chemistry for TRISO particle and fuel pebble characterization
• Support in installation and commissioning new characterization equipment
• Support in development and writing of characterization procedures

Qualifications

• Senior year undergraduate, Masters or PhD student majoring in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or related discipline
• Previous academic or internship experience with hands-on experiments and data analysis is required
• Solid foundation and understanding on fundamentals of mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of materials is required
• Knowledge of stainless steel, graphite, or TRISO is a plus
• Exposure to data handling and modeling is a plus
• Strong technical communicator: actively listens for and identify the team’s needs, anticipate priorities and keep the team apprised of relevant information

Physical Conditions 

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts, etc. 
• 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 10 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Use hand tools
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams 

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
• 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 

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