Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Materials, this position is responsible for materials testing in molten salt and contributes to the materials testing of metallic materials and the development and deployment of plant components. The candidate needs to have experience in assembly and maintenance of test hardware, power supplies, heater controllers, control and instrumentation, and general laboratory equipment (i.e., vacuum pumps, gas transfer systems, furnaces, etc.). This role will involve both routine and novel testing, modifications to experimental test hardware, development, and implementation of test procedures within Kairos Power's laboratories and in particular the Salt-laboratory, while maintaining and developing safety practices for testing materials in these environments. Thrives in a fast-paced, positive environment, which values continuous improvement and accountability.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform materials testing using In-Situ Mechanical (ISM) and salt corrosion test systems such as the Rotating Cage Loop (RCL) test system in Kairos Power's Salt Laboratory
• Supporting test preparation, assembly, data recording, basic maintenance & trouble shooting of electromechanical & fluid systems
• Execute tests and collect and organize data based on guidance from Responsible Engineers
• Investigate improvements in test hardware or test procedures for optimizing test operations
• Procure, install, commission, operate, and maintain lab equipment
• Perform routine laboratory duties: order chemicals and equipment consumables, lead lab clean-up and organization
• Participate in developing safe operations for new experiments, safety planning, and communication for tests
• Support laboratory scheduling, consumable tracking, and procurement
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• B.S. in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent degree with direct experience in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or engineering lab testing experience
• Experience in mechanical testing and/or corrosion testing
• 3+ years professional experience working in a laboratory environment (can be concurrent with education)
• Demonstrated practical skills for installing and operating scientific equipment
• Experience in troubleshooting lab equipment: gloveboxes, furnaces, chillers, pumps, data acquisition systems, etc.
• Experience in supporting test equipment, procedure development and routine operation
• Must be proficient in the use of hand and powered shop tools
• Must be able to use basic mechanical inspection tools
• Must be able to use multimeters and other basic electrical diagnostic equipment
• Demonstrated safety skills and understanding of chemical hygiene and hazardous waste generation
• Must be able to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Careful workmanship, attention to detail, and accurate logging of data are required
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to problem solve quickly and efficiently
• Ability to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issues
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others

Physical Conditions

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like
• Setting up and transferring temporary structures (e.g. scaffolding, ladders)
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• 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
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment or machinery
• Use hand tools
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• Low temperatures
• High temperatures
• Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind
• Noisy environments
• Small and/or enclosed spaces
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Elevated heights
• 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
• Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes
• Handling of Beryllium (Be)

Travel

• Some travel may be required (up to 20%)

Additional Requirements

• Occasionally requires overtime
• Seldomly requires working weekends
• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility
• Occasionally requires non-standard work-week hours
• Seldomly requires working 2nd shift, beginning at 3:00pm local time
• Seldomly requires working 3rd shift, beginning at 11:00pm local time
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines