Process Engineer, Inventory Management System

Job Summary

The Inventory Management System (IMS) team is seeking a highly motivated and passionate Engineer to join our efforts in designing, building, and commissioning high-temperature skids for molten salt systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in process, chemical, and mechanical engineering, with the ability to apply these skills to high-temperature design challenges.

In this role, you will contribute to the development of critical process systems for the Hermes reactor, our first-of-a-kind low-power nuclear demonstration reactor. As a key member of the IMS team, you will assist in designing, commissioning, and operating components to manage and control the reactor’s molten salt coolant inventory. The position requires an aptitude for chemical engineering calculations, systems integration, and industrial or pilot-scale system deployment. You will collaborate closely with mechanical design, plant layout, piping, instrumentation, and operations teams to integrate and optimize these systems.

Responsibilities 

• Support design high temperature piping loops, vessels, heaters, and instruments to manage the Hermes molten salt coolant inventory.
• Perform engineering calculations to support defining hydraulic, thermal, or other design parameters such as pipe size, required pump head, heat loss, hydraulic losses in a pipe loop, etc.
• Lead the design and construction of test platforms, including component prototypes, scaled system demonstrations, and engineering studies to inform IMS system design and performance.
• Develop and document engineering calculations, technical studies, and design rationale through clear and concise technical reports, memos, and presentations.
• Leverage expertise in Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) to communicate and collaborate effectively across teams.
• Contribute to Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies, ensuring robust safety and performance across system interfaces.
• Work cross-functionally with mechanical, instrumentation, controls, and operations teams to integrate and optimize IMS designs in alignment with reactor requirements. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

• BS in Chemical, Mechanical, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience in process/system design or related roles.
• Experience designing systems for high-temperature processes, molten salts, liquid metals, hazardous chemicals, or petrochemical processes is preferred.
• Proficient in interpreting PFDs, P&IDs, and process equipment datasheets, with the ability to translate these into functional design and implementation plans
• Knowledge of HazOp process and demonstrated experience designing processes with a safety-first mindset to create robust systems.
• Demonstrated ability to bring hardware design projects to completion and through commissioning, for industrial-scale systems or lab test stands
• Familiarity with ASME vessel and piping codes is a plus.
• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software desired.
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others.
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated capacity for autonomous problem-solving and willingness to own a wide range of technical and non-technical tasks.
• Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge.
• Ability to quickly and effectively work with manufacturing/assembly teams to pivot or troubleshoot when hardware build issues are discovered while maintaining delivery schedule.
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions.

Physical Conditions 

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 30 pounds in all directions.

Environmental Conditions 

• General office environment.
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Occasional laboratory or shop environment exposure (loud noises, PPE required, chemical fumes possible).

Travel 

• Some travel may be required (up to 20%) to other Kairos Power locations

Additional Requirements 

• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

The salary range for this position is $106,300 to $125,100 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.

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