Salt Chemistry Intern, Molten Salt Testing - Summer 2023

Job Summary 

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Salt Chemistry Intern with experience related to mechanical design of prototype equipment, test engineering, and high temperature operations. In this role, you will contribute to the molten salt testing program supporting the engineering design and technology development programs for the FHR. The candidate should have knowledge of basic chemical principles, mechanical design of test equipment, experience calibrating test equipment, comfort with laboratory safety practices, and empirical data interpretation.

Responsibilities 

• Installation and operation of prototype test equipment related to molten salt chemistry
• Perform hands on experiments involving hazardous chemicals in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Provide feedback on system operation and assist in modifications to improve performance
• General chemical laboratory responsibilities including data collection, equipment cleaning, and general maintenance
• Support limited mechanical design, such as brackets, tubing, or other off the shelf parts
• Experience in 3D modeling in SolidWorks design is a plus

Qualifications 

• Current student pursuing Bachelors or Masters in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or similar discipline
• Experience with prototype manufacturing
• Experience in basic mechanical design and assembly
• Ability to work with hazardous systems using engineering safety controls
• Enjoy working in a laboratory setting as a member of a team
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team and proven team player working with various teams
• 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, and articulated boom lifts 
• 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 30 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
• Color identification: detecting, distinguishing, recognizing and identifying colors
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

The hourly range for this position is $28 to $30 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.