Senior Mechanical Engineer, Remote Handling and Full Scale Integration

The role

This role focuses on the design, physical integration, and demonstration of remote handling technologies through full-scale mockups and prototype builds. The engineer will develop modular maintenance systems and validate interfaces to derisk reactor maintenance strategies.

What you will do

• Apply lifecycle design principles including maintainability, inspectability, and decommissioning
• Integrate remote handling requirements into hardware architecture and system interfaces
• Develop and maintain interface control documentation
• Design, build, and evaluate 1:1 scale mockups and integration test articles
• Develop structured test plans and acceptance criteria for full-scale demonstrations
• Coordinate test readiness reviews with QA and Systems Engineering
• Implement design updates based on mockup results and operational feedback
• Support project planning and cost estimation
• Interface with vendors to ensure manufacturability
• Conduct risk and reliability assessments for maintenance systems

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• 8+ years of experience developing hardware for demanding applications
• Demonstrated experience with full-scale prototypes, physical integration, and hardware demonstrations
• Background in low-voltage systems, optical systems, and compact packaging
• Experience with servos, motors, electromagnets, or related power electronics
• Expertise in high-temperature systems
• Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude in laboratory and shop environments
• Experience developing physical mockups and rapid prototypes
• Knowledge of pressure and fluid systems
• Familiarity with non-destructive inspection techniques
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams

Nice to have

• Experience integrating mechanical and electrical systems for remote operation
• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries
• Molten salt or advanced reactor experience
• Working knowledge of ASME codes and piping standards
• Familiarity with data acquisition tools (LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python)
• Experience mentoring junior engineers
• Familiarity with radiation effects and material degradation in extreme environments

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)

Before you apply

• You need to be authorized by the Department of Energy to access Part 810-controlled information
• Foreign nationals who are citizens of countries not on the Department of Energy’s general authorization list are not permitted to work in the facility unless the Department of Energy issues an export

About the company

Kairos Power is a new nuclear energy technology and engineering company whose mission is to enable the world’s transition to clean energy through the commercialization of the fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor (FHR).