Operations Technologist - Mechanical

Job Summary 

Reporting to the Fuel Operations Manager, this position contributes to the development and production of pebble fuel for Kairos Power’s fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor. The individual selected for this position will help construct, operate, and maintain and assemble equipment and work with engineers to execute the annular fuels R&D program. As part of an operations team, the individual selected for this position will run the manufacturing process for the facility, as well as implement other mechanical assembly, support and operation as required by code or regulation. This individual thrives in a fast-paced, positive environment, which values continuous improvement and accountability.

Responsibilities

Mechanical Assembly and Troubleshooting 

• • Carefully assembling mechanical components according to detailed instructions and blueprints.
  • Aligning and positioning parts to ensure proper fit and function.
  • Using hand tools, power tools, and specialized fixtures to secure components.
  • Checking for tolerances and quality control during assembly.
  • Performs troubleshooting of malfunctioning equipment and develops solutions to restore equipment to operation.
  • Assists engineering staff in developing the critical operations program and critical spares list.
  • Read and interpret design plans, and prepare layouts for assembling components
  • Participate in engineering reviews and studies to support future equipment and facility upgrades.

Facility Operations

• • Execute the manufacturing processes associated with the annular fuels program.
  • Support the day-to-day operations of the facility; Startup, run, and shutdown heavy machinery and auxiliary equipment.
  • Assist in performing and evaluating both destructive and non-destructive tests on annular fuel. Document results under the QA program.
  • Identify equipment issues, provide recommended corrective actions, and participate in root cause analysis as necessary.
  • Perform lockout-tagout of mechanical and electrical equipment.
  • Work with hazardous chemicals and radiological materials within gloveboxes, fume hoods, or other engineered containment enclosures.
  • Use tools such as drills, grinders, calipers, and presses, etc.
  • Operate mobile equipment such as forklifts, loaders, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts.
  • Understand and adhere to all safety rules and regulations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of education and/or work experience in a mechanical assembly, pipefitting, and mechanical trades. Maintenance, fabrication shops, manufacturing, or process plant work experience preferred. 
• High school diploma or GED certificate required. Associates degree in Mechatronics, Millwright, or Trade school diploma or vocational certification preferred
• Thorough knowledge of extensive knowledge of mechanical parts like hydraulics, motors, welding, and belt systems and how to work safely in those environments
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience in a heavy manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
• Strong problem-solving and time management skills
• Experience with and ability to follow work procedures, P&IDs, construction drawings, work permits, and technical manuals.
• Developing work instructions and procedures are preferred.
• Demonstrates capacity and willingness to learn and perform new duties or more complex assignment.
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge.
• Excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others

Physical Conditions 

• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 40 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment, or machinery
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams 

Environmental Conditions 

• High temperatures occasionally
• Noisy environments occasionally
• Lab or Manufacturing Environment
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Accessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE

• Respirator required to maintain certain equipment and operate in the area
• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, respirators, gloves, safety shoes

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

 #LI-Onsite