Kairos Power
Associate Operator, Engineering Test Unit
Kairos Power, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, 87101
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
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 motivated and technically capable Associate Operator to support the safe and efficient operation of the Engineering Test Unit (ETU) – a critical facility for advancing the company’s nuclear technology development. As an Associate Operator, you will be part of a high‑performing team responsible for executing plant operations, monitoring equipment, collecting operational data, and supporting maintenance and testing activities. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in an advanced engineering test facility and contribute directly to the development of next‑generation nuclear energy systems.
Responsibilities
Procedure Writing:
Develop, maintain, and improve comprehensive operating procedures, control‑room manuals, and emergency response protocols; review and update technical documentation; ensure all procedures meet regulatory, safety, and operational standards and are accessible to all operations personnel.
Plant Commissioning:
Participate actively in pre‑commissioning and commissioning activities, including system walk‑downs, loop checks, function testing, and validation of control systems; coordinate with engineering, construction, and vendor teams to ensure proper integration and functionality of control systems.
Plant Operations:
Follow policies, principles, procedures, standards, and practices to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation; operate and field‑check process equipment; monitor process conditions and key performance metrics; respond to abnormal conditions; conduct shift relief and hand‑off; maintain qualifications and training; perform immediate response activities; initiate and document investigations; apply KPIs; perform minor maintenance and repairs; commission and operate mechanical and electrical equipment; prepare and execute system and component level commissioning; perform acceptance testing; support day‑to‑day operations including startup, monitoring, and shutdown processes and auxiliary equipment; perform chemistry sampling; troubleshoot equipment; lockout/tagout; review and execute hazardous operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Associate degree in Nuclear Technology or a related program or equivalent, or 2+ years of experience as a plant operator or technician (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, chemicals, power plant, military, or similar backgrounds).
Experience with Instrumentation and Controls systems.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Understand, follow, and create technical procedures.
Be cross‑trained and willing to learn different processes for other jobs as needed.
Work safely with hazardous materials in PPE including SCBA, full‑face respirator, and Tyvek suit.
Familiarity with basic hand tools.
Mechanically inclined with hands‑on experience with plant equipment and operations.
Computer skills, including spreadsheet use.
Communicate effectively with others.
Read P&ID and mechanical/electrical drawings.
Always work in a safe and compliant manner.
Work collaboratively with a team.
Solve problems quickly and efficiently.
Prioritize safety for oneself and others.
Proactively collect, manage, and transfer knowledge.
Seek 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 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.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment, or machinery.
Use hand tools.
Environmental Conditions
General office environment.
Low temperatures.
High temperatures.
Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind.
Noisy environments.
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions.
Elevated heights.
Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
High‑concentration, demanding and fast‑paced settings.
Safety and PPE
Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs.
Manipulating, cleaning, and disposing of hazardous materials.
Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions.
Color identification: detecting, distinguishing, recognizing, and identifying colors.
Wearing proper PPE: face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, self‑contained breathing apparatus, full‑face respirator, Tyvek suit, etc.
Handling of Beryllium (Be).
Travel
Some travel may be required (5%).
Certification
Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certification.
Additional Requirements
Regularly requires overtime.
Regularly requires working weekends.
Regularly requires schedule flexibility.
Regularly requires non‑standard work‑week hours.
Regularly requires working 2nd shift (starting at 3:00 pm local time).
Regularly requires working 3rd shift (starting at 11:00 pm local time).
Regularly requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines.
About Our Benefits
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).
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 (excluding interns) expect to have access to the benefits listed above.
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 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
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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 motivated and technically capable Associate Operator to support the safe and efficient operation of the Engineering Test Unit (ETU) – a critical facility for advancing the company’s nuclear technology development. As an Associate Operator, you will be part of a high‑performing team responsible for executing plant operations, monitoring equipment, collecting operational data, and supporting maintenance and testing activities. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in an advanced engineering test facility and contribute directly to the development of next‑generation nuclear energy systems.
Responsibilities
Procedure Writing:
Develop, maintain, and improve comprehensive operating procedures, control‑room manuals, and emergency response protocols; review and update technical documentation; ensure all procedures meet regulatory, safety, and operational standards and are accessible to all operations personnel.
Plant Commissioning:
Participate actively in pre‑commissioning and commissioning activities, including system walk‑downs, loop checks, function testing, and validation of control systems; coordinate with engineering, construction, and vendor teams to ensure proper integration and functionality of control systems.
Plant Operations:
Follow policies, principles, procedures, standards, and practices to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation; operate and field‑check process equipment; monitor process conditions and key performance metrics; respond to abnormal conditions; conduct shift relief and hand‑off; maintain qualifications and training; perform immediate response activities; initiate and document investigations; apply KPIs; perform minor maintenance and repairs; commission and operate mechanical and electrical equipment; prepare and execute system and component level commissioning; perform acceptance testing; support day‑to‑day operations including startup, monitoring, and shutdown processes and auxiliary equipment; perform chemistry sampling; troubleshoot equipment; lockout/tagout; review and execute hazardous operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Associate degree in Nuclear Technology or a related program or equivalent, or 2+ years of experience as a plant operator or technician (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, chemicals, power plant, military, or similar backgrounds).
Experience with Instrumentation and Controls systems.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Understand, follow, and create technical procedures.
Be cross‑trained and willing to learn different processes for other jobs as needed.
Work safely with hazardous materials in PPE including SCBA, full‑face respirator, and Tyvek suit.
Familiarity with basic hand tools.
Mechanically inclined with hands‑on experience with plant equipment and operations.
Computer skills, including spreadsheet use.
Communicate effectively with others.
Read P&ID and mechanical/electrical drawings.
Always work in a safe and compliant manner.
Work collaboratively with a team.
Solve problems quickly and efficiently.
Prioritize safety for oneself and others.
Proactively collect, manage, and transfer knowledge.
Seek 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 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.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment, or machinery.
Use hand tools.
Environmental Conditions
General office environment.
Low temperatures.
High temperatures.
Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind.
Noisy environments.
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions.
Elevated heights.
Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
High‑concentration, demanding and fast‑paced settings.
Safety and PPE
Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs.
Manipulating, cleaning, and disposing of hazardous materials.
Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions.
Color identification: detecting, distinguishing, recognizing, and identifying colors.
Wearing proper PPE: face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, self‑contained breathing apparatus, full‑face respirator, Tyvek suit, etc.
Handling of Beryllium (Be).
Travel
Some travel may be required (5%).
Certification
Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certification.
Additional Requirements
Regularly requires overtime.
Regularly requires working weekends.
Regularly requires schedule flexibility.
Regularly requires non‑standard work‑week hours.
Regularly requires working 2nd shift (starting at 3:00 pm local time).
Regularly requires working 3rd shift (starting at 11:00 pm local time).
Regularly requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines.
About Our Benefits
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).
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 (excluding interns) expect to have access to the benefits listed above.
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 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
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