Fuels Program Mechanical Technologist

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

• Combination of education and/or work experience equivalent to 6+ years in mechanical assembly, pipefitting, or mechanical trades. Experience in maintenance, fabrication shops, manufacturing, or process plant work experience preferred.
• High school diploma or GED certificate required. Associates degree in Mechatronics, Millwright, or completion of trade school/vocational certification program preferred.
• Experience working from procedures, P&IDs, construction drawings, work permits, and technical manuals.
• Experience developing or contributing to work instructions and standard operating procedures preferred.
• Certification in forklift or aerial lift operation (or ability to obtain).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough 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
• Capacity and willingness to learn and perform new duties or more complex assignments.
• Ability to work within a 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 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 
• Use hand tools

Environmental Conditions 

• High temperatures occasionally
• Noisy environments occasionally
• Lab or Manufacturing Environment
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced
• Rigging activities or environments involving heavy load movement
• Elevated heights
• Radiological or Controlled Environment

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, respirators, gloves, safety shoes, etc.

Certification

• Certification in forklift or aerial lift operation (or ability to obtain).

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

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