Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Engineer

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 driven and experienced NDE Engineer to lead technology development and engineering integration of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) solutions for reactor systems. In this role, you will lead technology development and implementation of engineering hardware for NDE of reactor system structures and components, lead qualification of NDE solutions for in-service inspection (ISI), and ensure successful longer-term implementation of Section XI program for Kairos Power’s KP-FHR. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in NDE technology development, testing, and implementation in high-temperature environments, along with strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

- Lead development of sensor hardware and systems for use in non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of FHR system components.

- Perform testing of NDE hardware, including development of procedures, best practices, and tools to advance the technology and implementation of methods for ISI

- Support development of software and data acquisition systems, including signal collection and analysis, to improve hardware functionality.

- Oversee NDE sensor implementation on components for defect detection at plant operating temperatures (550 - 650°C).

- Work with a team of engineers and technologists to advance the objectives of the ISI program while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

- Manage internal projects to achieve schedule-driven objectives associated with technology development and integration of hardware with complex engineering systems.

- Support the recruitment, training, and professional development of other engineers and support staff involved in the ISI program.

- Monitor and drive project progress, proactively identify potential risks or obstacles, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure timely project completion and delivery.

- Develop and maintain comprehensive operating procedures, work instructions, product routing, and maintenance documentation associated with the NDE hardware supporting the ISI program.

- Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of data and documentation for analysis and engineering reports.

- Lead investigations and implement solutions to technical problems, conduct root cause analysis, and manage corrective action reports and engineering changes.

- Support the operational efficiency of all lab equipment for use in NDE hardware and technology development.

- Oversee job hazards analysis for new work or test activities, new equipment, and ensure the highest standard of safety and operational excellence.

- Interface with external partners and vendors to meet technical and cost objectives while managing IP.

- Engage with vendors to procure necessary equipment and services, ensuring the seamless support of laboratory operations.

- Collaborate with regulatory bodies, licensing authorities, and industry groups to ensure alignment with current standards and to keep abreast of new developments.

- Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

- BS. degree in materials science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or equivalent. Advanced degree (M.S./Ph.D.) in a relevant field preferred.

- 10+ years of experience in NDE technology development, testing, or operations.

- Experience with equipment commissioning, testing, analysis, and/or process optimization.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

- Knowledge of NDE hardware, methods (UT, RT, ET, PT, MT, etc.), and technologies for defect detection.

- Strong project management skills with a track record of successfully leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects on time.

- Proven expertise in equipment commissioning, testing, analysis, and process optimization.

- Strong project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver complex projects on time and within scope.

- Excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills.

- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in root cause analysis.

- Strong understanding of industry codes, standards, including ASME Section III, V, XI and ASNT, and regulatory requirements.

- Proficiency in data acquisition systems, signal processing, and analytics.

- Commitment to safety culture and risk-informed decision-making.

- 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 Demands

- Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another

- Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 30 pounds in all directions

- Communicating with others to exchange information

- Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like

- 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

- Use hand tools

- Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams

Environmental Conditions

- General office environment

- High temperatures

- Noisy environments

- High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

- Small and/or enclosed spaces

- Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions

- Elevated heights

Safety and PPE

- Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs

- Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions

- Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

- Handling of Beryllium (Be)

- Handling of radiological materials

Travel

- Some travel may be required, up to 20%

Additional Requirements

- Occasionally requires working weekends

- Occasionally requires schedule flexibility

- Occasionally requires non-standard work-week hours

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

The salary range for this position is $140,600 to $165,400 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