Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Process Design Engineer to join our Inert Gas System (IGS) team. In this role, you will be immersed in a collaborative and fast-paced environment to contribute to the design, optimization, and documentation of the cover gas system for Kairos Power's first low-power demonstration nuclear reactor. This position will allow you to make meaningful contributions within a multi-disciplinary team that is driving innovation in the field of advanced nuclear energy.

Responsibilities

• Design Inert Gas System (IGS) components across multiple reactor plant systems, ensuring alignment with safety, performance, and regulatory requirements.
• Interface with Mechanical Design, Structural, Instrumentation & Controls, Operations, and other Process Design Engineers to ensure seamless integration of IGS functionalities with interfacing systems and components and the physical building
• Develop and maintain system design documentation, including P&IDs, interface control documents, and system-level specifications.
• Collaborate closely with nuclear engineers to understand the technical basis of IGS requirements and translate this nuclear-specific context into actionable engineering and design inputs.
• Select components and materials that are compatible with expected system radioactivity levels and radiation exposure over the plant’s lifecycle.
• Support hazard analyses, FMEA, and other system-level safety evaluations.
• Coordinate with internal procurement team and external vendors to specify and evaluate suitable instrumentation and gas handling hardware.
• Engage with licensing and regulatory teams to ensure system design supports licensing objectives.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers working on IGS-related tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline
• 7+ years of relevant industry experience in nuclear, molten salt, refining, chemical, power generation process design engineering or similar applicable industry is highly desired
• Experience designing large-scale engineering tests, fluid handling systems, process equipment, or complex systems and components
• Experience leading system integration efforts and managing interfaces across mechanical, electrical, and control systems
• Demonstrated experience with working in a fast-paced environment and driving design to completion efficiently.
• Proficient in interpreting Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and process equipment datasheets
• Experience working directly with external vendors to design and deliver process equipment
• Knowledge of HazOp process and demonstrated experience designing with a safety-first mindset to create robust systems
• Knowledge of process simulation and/or hydraulic simulation software (Aspen Plus, Pro/II, Hysys, AFT Fathom/Arrow, SiNet, Apros, etc.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated capacity for autonomous problem-solving
• 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 issue

Physical Conditions

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• 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

Travel

• Travel up to 20%

The salary range for this position is $122,300 to $143,800 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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