Process Engineer, Molten Salt Inventory Management System

Process Engineer, Molten Salt Inventory Management System

Kairos Power is seeking an Engineer to design, build, and commission high-temperature skids for molten salt systems within the Inventory Management System (IMS). This role requires a strong foundation in process, chemical, and mechanical engineering, with the ability to apply these skills to high-temperature design challenges. The IMS team is working on critical process systems for the Hermes reactor, a first-of-a-kind low-power nuclear demonstration reactor.

You will assist in designing, commissioning, and operating components to manage and control the reactor’s molten salt coolant inventory, collaborating with mechanical design, plant layout, piping, instrumentation, and operations teams to integrate and optimize IMS designs in alignment with reactor requirements.

• Support design of high temperature piping loops, vessels, heaters, and instruments to manage the Hermes molten salt coolant inventory.
• Perform engineering calculations to define hydraulic, thermal, or other design parameters such as pipe size, required pump head, heat loss, and hydraulic losses in a pipe loop.
• Lead the design and construction of test platforms, including component prototypes, scaled system demonstrations, and engineering studies to inform IMS system design and performance.
• Develop and document engineering calculations, technical studies, and design rationale through clear and concise technical reports, memos, and presentations.
• Support system commissioning, startup, and operational readiness activities, including procedure development and execution.
• Assist with requirements definition, design verification, and validation activities to ensure IMS systems meet functional and regulatory expectations.
• Leverage expertise in Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) to communicate and collaborate effectively across teams.
• Contribute to Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies, ensuring robust safety and performance across system interfaces.
• Work cross-functionally with mechanical, instrumentation, controls, and operations teams to integrate and optimize IMS designs in alignment with reactor requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience in process/system design or related roles.
• Experience designing systems for high-temperature processes, molten salts, liquid metals, hazardous chemicals, or petrochemical processes is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to bring hardware design projects to completion and through commissioning, for industrial-scale systems or lab test stands.
• Familiarity with ASME vessel and piping codes is a plus.
• Experience with Solid Works or other CAD software desired.
• Demonstrated capacity for autonomous problem-solving and willingness to own a wide range of technical and non-technical tasks.

• Proficient in interpreting PFDs, P&IDs, and process equipment datasheets, with the ability to translate these into functional design and implementation plans.
• Knowledge of Haz Op process and demonstrated experience designing processes with a safety-first mindset to create robust systems.
• Knowledge of system commissioning practices, startup sequencing, and operational troubleshooting for process systems.
• Ability to work with a highly collaborative team with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge, and to work with manufacturing/assembly teams to troubleshoot while maintaining delivery schedules.

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Ability to move or lift up to 30 pounds as needed.
• Occasionally maneuvering in environments including tight and confined spaces (laboratory/shop).

• General office environment; high-concentration, demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Occasional laboratory or shop environment exposure (loud noises, PPE…