Fuels Process Engineer

About the role

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Process Engineer to support the Kairos Power fuels program. The role involves designing, constructing, commissioning, and optimizing performance of process equipment necessary for TRISO particle fabrication. Responsibilities include interfacing with vendors, coordinating with facility operations, and providing technical oversight of fuel fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Interpret process engineering information via Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs).
• Develop equipment specifications and size equipment based on process needs.
• Prepare equipment lists and data sheets for equipment.
• Develop and/or approve manufacturing drawings for custom-designed equipment.
• Interface with vendors for procurement of equipment and instruments.
• Work with the Lead Responsible Engineer to develop the equipment commissioning plan and procedures.
• Cross-functional coordination with facility operations to implement, test, and optimize TRISO fuel fabrication processes.
• Provide technical oversight of fuel fabrication processes and incorporate best practices for continuous improvement.
• Work with other engineers and technologists to identify opportunities for process equipment improvements.
• Partner with manufacturing team and participate in equipment manufacturing, assembly, and test certification of process equipment skids.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar discipline.
• 5+ years performing duties in a process or mechanical engineering role in a chemical, pharmaceutical, industrial, or manufacturing setting.
• Experience in generating Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Heat & Material Balances (H&MBs), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), equipment lists, and utility consumption lists.
• Experience working with hazardous processes and chemicals, including the implementation of appropriate safety controls.
• Experience in commissioning new vendor-supplied equipment, as well as being able to commission in-house designed equipment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficient with engineering software programs including CAD, SolidWorks, and modeling software.
• Ability to work with highly collaborative teams.
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement of existing equipment.
• Ability to verify process designs against mechanical designs, ensuring optimal installation, integration, operational, and maintenance perspectives.
• Familiar with process documentation, including PFDs and P&IDs, and how they inform industrial system operations and integration.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, managing multiple priorities in dynamic environments while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, clearly documenting plans and conveying information across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.
• Proactive and adaptable, seeking novel ways to create efficiencies.
• Able to prioritize and ensure safety of oneself and others.
• Able to proactively collect, manage, and transfer knowledge.
• Able to adjust, move, transport, install, position, or remove objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.
• Communicate with others to exchange information.

Physical Demands

• 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.

About our Benefits

We offer competitive compensation packages, medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and their dependents, paid vacation, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, we provide pre-tax health insurance, dependent care, and commuter benefits (FSA). Kairos Power is committed to building a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. We actively welcome people of different experiences, abilities, and perspectives. Kairos Power participates in E-Verify.

Additional Requirements

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

Physical Demands

• 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.