Lead Engineer, Characterization

Kairos Power is seeking a driven and experienced Lead of Characterization to lead operations for the company's Characterization Laboratory. In this role, you will coordinate operations activities in the Characterization Laboratory, lead a talented team of engineers and support staff, and ensure that the technical teams and business functions achieve their goals by optimizing laboratory processes, delivering high-quality results, and maintaining highest standards of safety and efficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the operations for characterization and analytical testing of the natural uranium TRISO fuel particle and annular fuel pebble.
• Lead characterization of stainless steel and graphite materials test specimens from qualification testing campaigns.
• Oversee commissioning and operations activities for all characterization and analytical equipment.
• Lead a team of engineers and support staff, providing mentorship, performance management, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and professional development of team members.
• Monitor and drive project progress, proactively identify potential risks or obstacles, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure timely project completion and delivery.
• Manage and optimize the performance, maintenance schedules, and operational efficiency of all lab equipment.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive operating procedures, work instructions, product routing, and maintenance documentation.
• Support rapid turnaround of fuel product development and production campaigns, materials test specimens, and test campaigns.
• Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of data and documentation for analysis and engineering reports.
• Support the Radiation Protection Program and ensure the effective implementation within radiological facilities for fuel development.
• Lead investigate and implement solutions to technical problems, conduct root cause analysis, and manage corrective action reports and engineering changes.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to address operational challenges, support objectives of Fuels and Materials teams.
• Engage with vendors to procure necessary equipment and services, ensuring the seamless support of laboratory operations.
• Oversee job hazards analysis for new work or test activities, new equipment, and ensuring the highest standard of safety and operational excellence.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. Degree in Materials Science, or equivalent major
• 10+ years of experience in characterization operations, analytical chemistry, or other related work experience.
• Experience with working in a radiation environment, working with radioactive materials, or working in similar high hazard environments.
• Experience with equipment commissioning, testing, analysis, and/or process optimization.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of successfully leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects on time.
• Proven expertise in equipment commissioning, testing, analysis, and process optimization.
• Strong project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver complex projects on time and within scope.
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Assessing the accuracy and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Ability to work with 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 Conditions:

• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 20 pounds in all directions.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Conditions:

• General office environment
• High temperatures
• Noisy environments
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE:

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Color identification: detecting, distinguishing, recognizing and identifying colors
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes
• Handling of radiological materials
• Handling of beryllium-containing materials

Travel:

• Some travel may be required, up to 20%

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