Principal Engineer, Power Generation System

Company Overview

Kairos Power is a new nuclear energy technology and engineering company whose mission is to enable the world’s transition to clean energy, with the ultimate goal to dramatically improve people’s quality of life while protecting the environment. This goal will be accomplished through the commercialization of the fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor (FHR) that can be deployed with robust safety, affordable costs, and flexible operation to accommodate the expansion of variable renewables.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to lead the development of the KP-FHR Power Generation System (PGS), including steam cycles and associated equipment. Reporting to the Director of Power Generation Systems, you will develop technical design solutions to enable the rapid development and integration of KP-FHR PGS Structures, Systems and Components (SSCs). This role requires a visionary leader with extensive experience in thermal systems and power conversion technologies to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation of the plant's energy conversion processes.

Responsibilities 

• Design and develop the PGS, focusing on steam cycle, turbine, condenser, and related auxiliary systems options that meet Kairos Power’s FHR deployment objectives
• Lead design trades, performance analyses and optimization of the steam cycle to maximize efficiency and output
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate the PGS with overall plant design and operations
• Manage and coordinate external partners, suppliers, regulators and vendors in the area of power generation
• Oversee the preparation of technical specifications, design documents, and system drawings for all PGS components
• Perform feasibility studies and risk assessments related to power conversion technologies and systems
• Mentor and guide engineering team, promoting professional growth and innovation in power conversion solutions
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of technical concepts and strategies
• Support commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of the PGS during the plant's startup phase
• Stay abreast of industry advancements, best practices, and emerging technologies in power conversion and nuclear energy
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 15+ years of experience in the design and development of power conversion systems, particularly in the nuclear or thermal power sectors
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer principles as they relate to steam cycles
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex engineering projects and leading technical teams, with thorough understanding of evaluation, design, and licensing of a new technology
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards for nuclear power systems
• Proficiency in engineering simulation and analysis software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Thermoflex, etc.)
• Experience with heat transport systems using molten salt or other high temperature fluids is a plus
• Track record of physical hardware deployment is a plus
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of optimizing system performance
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical information to varied audiences
• Ability to foster an environment that creates new and better ways to be successful
• Excellent communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills; must be able to interact and communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, and with external partners
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself 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 

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• 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, up to 25%

Additional Requirements  

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

The salary range for this position is $166,700 to $208,400 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.

About our Benefits

We know that we have some of the most talented and dedicated employees, and we believe in rewarding them accordingly. If you work here, full-time employees (excludes interns) expect to have access to the benefits below:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and their dependents
• Paid Vacation
• 401(k) and pre-tax health insurance, dependent care, and commuter benefits (FSA)

Kairos Power is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities where we do business. Kairos Power is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We actively welcome people of different experiences, abilities, and perspectives.

Kairos Power participates in E-Verify.

Candidates only, no recruiters or agencies please.

Note: You are applying for a position that is located in a facility that handles information that is subject to export control restrictions by the Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. To work in this facility, you need to be authorized by the Department of Energy to access Part 810-controlled information. Foreign nationals who are citizens of countries that are not on the Department of Energy’s general authorization list (link below) are not permitted to work in our facility unless the Department of Energy issues an export control license to the company to permit that individual to have access to Part 810-controlled information. The following questions are intended to determine the licensing requirements that may apply. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/10/appendix-A_to_part_810