Nuclear Engineer, Neutronics

Job Summary

Kairos Power is currently seeking a Nuclear Engineer to join our Nuclear Design and Methods team and assist in the design and construction of our Gen IV test reactor, Hermes (USNRC construction permit no. CPTR-6). As we work towards achieving first criticality by 2026, we are searching for a highly motivated individual who is eager to make a tangible impact in the world. At Kairos Power, we value collaboration and innovation, and we welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds to join our team.

As a member of the Nuclear Design and Methods team, you will play an integral role in the development of Hermes, contributing to a historical milestone and working alongside a team of skilled professionals. The ideal candidate will share our passion for improving people's quality of life through the development and deployment of advanced reactors. We are seeking an individual with a solid technical background in neutronics, reactor physics, and radiation transport, coupled with a natural inclination for innovation. The ideal candidate will have experience in nuclear facilities, particularly test and research reactors.

In this fast-paced environment, the ability to quickly learn and apply technical knowledge is essential. If you possess a strong drive to succeed and are excited about the prospect of contributing to a real-world project with significant global implications, we encourage you to apply for this position.

Responsibilities

• Provide innovative solutions to identified engineering challenges

• Support calculation and analysis to support Hermes transition core

• Work with licensing and safety analysis teams to establish minimum viable technical specifications.

• Work with Pebble-handling and storage system (PHSS) team to establish operational requirements to support core analysis.

• Develop and analyze set of minimum physics testing to confirm/validate nuclear analysis predictions.

• Work with other Core design engineers to deliver on neutronics calculations for Hermes Final Safety Analysis

• Support the development of core transient capabilities using KP-AGREE

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Nuclear Engineering or similar field

• 2+ years' experience with MCNP, SCALE, and/or Serpent 2

• Experience with software management (SQA) in nuclear industry

• Experience with variance reduction techniques

• Experience with Research or Test reactor operation (preferably SRO/RO license)

• Experience with KP-AGREE/PARCS/AGREE

• Familiarity with reactor physics, reactor kinetics, and modeling tools

• Familiarity with Python or similar scripting tools

• Ability to adjust to iterative approach to design and analysis

• Ability to partner across various disciplines

• Familiarity with Serpent 2 and/or MCNP

• Ability to build simple models for complicated geometries

• Familiarity with neutron detectors

• 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 Conditions

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

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

• 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

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

Additional Requirements

• Occasionally requires working weekends

• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility

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

The salary range for this position is $98,100 to $115,400 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.

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