Thermal Processing Design Engineer

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Thermal Processing Design Engineer to develop and optimize furnace operations in support of the Kairos Power fuels program. In this role, you will work within an engineering team to design, construct, commission, and optimize performance of thermal process equipment necessary to fabricate TRISO particles. You will also work cross-functionally with facility operations, facility engineers, quality assurance, and EHS to enable supporting functions.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and commission resistance and induction-coil furnaces for TRISO fuel development and manufacturing.
• Develop and execute the R&D test program for UCO kernel calcining and sintering operations.
• Make design changes to furnace equipment based on experimental outcomes.
• Develop and/or review manufacturing drawings.
• Develop furnace commissioning plans, standard operating procedures, and maintenance instructions.
• Coordinate with facility operations to implement and optimize TRISO fuel fabrication processes.
• Collaborate with QA/QC team to validate furnace performance with fuel specifications.
• Provide oversight of fuel fabrication processes and incorporate best practices for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Materials Science, or similar discipline  with experience in thermal engineering
• 5+ years performing thermal engineering and/or designing resistance and induction-coil furnaces
• Working knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and furnace control interfaces
• Experience in commissioning new equipment
• Proficient with engineering software such as Solidworks and CFD simulation.
• Experience with Design of Experiments or statistical process controls methodology
• Knowledge of other areas of TRISO fabrication including ADUN solution preparation, gelation, and UCO kernel processing is a plus
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• 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 etc.
• 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

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• Noisy environments
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• 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
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions

Travel

• Some travel may be required <5%

Additional Requirements  

• Seldomly requires working weekends 
• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility 
• Seldomly requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines 

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