Lead Machinist

Kairos Power is a new nuclear energy technology and engineering company whose mission is to enable the world’s transition to clean energy, with the ultimate goal to dramatically improve people’s quality of life while protecting the environment. This goal will be accomplished through the commercialization of the fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor (FHR) that can be deployed with robust safety, affordable costs, and flexible operation to accommodate the expansion of variable renewables.

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Machinist to oversee daily machining operations, provide technical guidance to the machining team, and ensure production quality and efficiency. This role involves hands-on operation and programming of CNC mills and lathes, schedule planning, and coordination of workflow across the shop floor. The Lead Machinist is responsible for upholding safety, quality, and performance standards while fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to the machining operations team.
• Monitor machinist performance and provide feedback or coaching to promote skill development and accountability.
• Plan and delegate daily machining tasks based on production schedules and priorities.
• Perform complex machining operations using 3- and 5-axis CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Create, modify, and troubleshoot NC programs using CAM software.
• Oversee machine maintenance and ensure equipment is in safe working condition.
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to ensure product compliance.
• Establish work coordinate systems, tooling offsets, and work holding solutions for efficient setups.
• Select appropriate tools, speeds, feeds, and cutting parameters based on material and part geometry.
• Monitor machining processes to maintain dimensional accuracy and adherence to tolerances.
• Inspect parts during and after machining to ensure conformance to specifications and ISO standards.
• Maintain detailed job records, inspection reports, and other production documentation.
• Ensure all parts are clean and properly prepared for shipment or further processing.
• Support inventory control and material traceability throughout the machining process.
• Collaborate with engineers and other departments to resolve technical issues and improve workflows.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; 7+ years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in using and/or programming manual, semi-automated or automated tools and machines (lathes, mills, grinders etc.)
• Experience using CAM software (e.g Master Cam) for programming CNC machines.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other quality management systems desired.
• Good at math with analytical abilities
• Ability to use precision tools (e.g. calipers, micrometers) to take accurate measurements
• Knowledge of the properties of metal and other material
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics and manuals. Understanding GD&T callouts and dimensioning.
• Familiarity with shop floor management tools or ERP/MRP systems for tracking work orders and production status.
• Understanding of machining related safety standards.
• Competence in managing tooling inventory, setup sheets, and job documentation.
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of one self 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
• Remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like.
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment or machinery
• Use of hand tools
• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or…