Seismic Structural Analysis Engineer

Job Summary 

Kairos Power is looking for a Structural Analysis Engineer with the emphasis on Seismic Analysis to lead the structural dynamics analysis effort on medium to large projects for a generation IV Nuclear Power Plant, and related scaled prototype and test plants. The successful candidate will be responsible for meeting the specific project requirements and assuring the technical correctness of analysis. 

Responsibilities 

• Perform structural dynamic analysis of the reactor vessel internal components under seismic loadings using FEA tools (ANSYS LS-DYNA) 
• Perform structural dynamic analysis such as tornado missile impacts, load drops, and aircraft impacts
• Perform seismic calculation and analysis for systems, structures and components (SSCs) 
• Support management and work program leadership in meeting company’s licensing milestones and deliverables, including verification and validation (V&V) activities of the FEA tools and seismic qualifications of SSCs
• Work with the Reactor Systems and Civil Structures teams to design and optimize the vessel internals for seismic and other dynamic effects
• Develop new design-by-analysis methodologies and implement existing standardized design-by-analysis methodologies for stress and failure analyses of SSCs
• Perform thermal-mechanical analysis of SSCs using FEA to support the Engineering Design, Safety Analysis and Testing teams
• Provide leadership for junior engineers and analysts
• Review, update and provide guidance on structural analysis  

Qualifications 

• PhD or MS with equivalent PhD experience in Structural/Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering or related field
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with structural dynamics FEA applied to SSCs
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with seismic design and analysis
• Excellent knowledge of finite element methods required
• Experience with explicit dynamics analysis and seismic analysis required
• Highly proficient in commercial FEA packages (ANSYS Workbench/APDL and LS-DYNA preferred)
• Experience in developing automation scripts for pre-processing and post-processing (using Python or similar programming languages) preferred
• Experience with computation fluid dynamics (CFD) and thermal analysis is a plus
• Experience with seismic design and qualification for nuclear applications is a plus
• Experience with seismic shake table testing preferred
• Experience/knowledge in high-temperature applications preferred
• Entrepreneurial, flexible, open to new ideas, collaborative in nature with full buy-in to the Kairos Power mission
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills; must be able to interact and communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to problem solve quickly and efficiently
• 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 30 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment or machinery
• Use hand tools

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
• Handling of Beryllium (Be)

Travel 

• Some travel may be required 10- 20% 

The salary range for this position is $127,700-$159,600 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.