Senior Engineer, Power Plant Operational Design

Kairos Power is seeking a Senior Engineer for Power Plant Operational Design in Los Lunas, NM, to develop operational strategies for the KP-FHR reactor. Responsibilities include translating operational goals into design requirements, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and supporting design optimization. Candidates should have a BS/MS in engineering, 6+ years of experience, and knowledge of power plant operations. The role is focused on enhancing plant performance and reliability.
Company OverviewKairos 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 Senior Engineer who will be part of the team focused on Design for Operations and the development and maturation of the Concept of Operations for the KP-FHR, with near‑term applicability for the Hermes Demonstration Reactor. You will work in close collaboration with systems, nuclear, mechanical, process, and I&C engineering groups and operations to ensure major plant functional and operational needs are translated into the design to ensure successful plant operation. If you have power, chemical, or process plant operational and design experience, see how you can leverage it to support the next generation of clean energy.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and refine the plant’s detailed operational strategy, including operating modes, envelopes and key state points, leveraging deep knowledge of plant performance requirements.Translate operational goals into actionable system‑ and component‑level requirements for Structures, Systems and Components (SSCs), balancing performance expectations and design constraints.Define anticipated and planned plant transients and collaborate with simulation teams to model and assess system responses and design adequacy.Collaborate closely with cross‑functional design teams to inform and guide plant‑level decisions, ensuring operational requirements and control strategies are incorporated.Support design optimization efforts aimed at enhancing plant performance, reliability and availability while mitigating technical risks.Support development of design for operations workflows to support delivery of the plant from concept to detailed design included plant commissioning.Perform other duties as assigned.QualificationsBS or MS in Mechanical, Nuclear, Chemical, or other related engineering discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience.4+ years of experience in either plant design and/or plant performance analysis.Fundamental understanding of power or industrial process plant operation and equipment and the interrelationships between them.Plant Performance – Proficient knowledge in power plant steady state performance.Plant Dynamics – Proficient knowledge in power plant maneuvering, control of closed‑loop heat transport systems, transient thermodynamics and T‑H.Demonstrated experience applying understanding of plant operations in the development of plant design configuration.Demonstrated ability of applying engineering knowledge to deliver results while being able to thrive in an environment with evolving requirements.Strong technical writing skills, with the ability to clearly document operational philosophies, assumptions and technical decisions.Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team on problems as well as lead/coordinate the timely resolution of issues in cross functional teams.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesStrong interpersonal skills and able to be independent, resourceful, and proactive in the face of the lack of information or unknowns.Desire and ability to function in a fast‑paced small company environment while wearing multiple hats.Working experience with plant simulation tools (e.g., APROS or other simulation platform) is desired.Ability to work with highly collaborative team.Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.Prioritizes and ensures safety of one self 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 DemandsRemaining in a stationary position for prolonged period.Environmental ConditionsGeneral office environment.Assessing the accuracy,…