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
Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Process Engineer to develop and optimize the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) coatings process 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 the 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
Perform process engineering functions including development of process flow diagrams, heat and material balance calculations, and process simulations. Develop and execute the R&D test program for coating UCO kernels using the CVD process. Make modifications to process equipment based on experimental outcomes. Develop and/or review manufacturing drawings for custom process equipment. Work with the lead Responsible Engineer to develop the equipment commissioning plan and procedures. Coordinate with facility operations to implement and optimize TRISO fuel fabrication processes. Collaborate with EC&I and mechanical design team to select capable instrumentation for monitoring and controlling CVD process. Collaborate with QA/QC team to identify sampling methodology, analysis, and qualification criteria for CVD coatings. Provide oversight of fuel fabrication processes and incorporate best practices for continuous improvement. Qualifications
BS or MS degree in Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar discipline or PhD in one of the above fields with experience in CVD/PVD or other pyrolysis methods 5+ years performing duties as a process engineer in a chemical, pharmaceutical, industrial, or manufacturing setting 3+ years Experience with CVD/PVD process 10+ years work experience is ideal, but other more junior engineers with CVD experience are encouraged to apply Knowledge of other areas of TRISO fabrication including ADUN solution preparation, gelation, and UCO kernel processing is a plus Experience in commissioning new equipment Proficient with engineering software programs such as Aspen, ChemCAD. Autocad and Solidworks is a plus Experience with Design of Experiments or statistical process controls methodology 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