Senior Engineer, Vessel Design

Job Summary

Kairos Power is looking for an experienced mechanical engineer to lead the engineering design of vessels on medium to large projects for a generation IV Nuclear Power Plant, and related scaled prototype and engineering test plants. The successful candidate will be an expert in codes and standards applicable to advanced nuclear reactor development technology. The candidate shall also be responsible for meeting the specific project requirements and assuring the technical correctness of design, compliance to code and standards, project budget and project schedules.

Responsibilities

• Develop safe design and construction rules applicable for systems, structures and components (SSC) that conform to ASME Section III and / or Section VIII and enable approval from relevant authorities having jurisdiction.
• Develop detailed engineering design rules for plant systems, structures and components (SSC) in accordance with ASME and other applicable codes and standards.
• Apply jurisdictional boundaries between different plant SSC interfacing equipment in accordance with all applicable rules.
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders and deconflict technical code compliance issues.
• Provide technical representation on code and standards issues to ASME, NRC and local bodies having jurisdiction.
• Support development stress classification and development of load combinations for analysis of vessels and other components using ASME Section III Division 5 and Section VIII Division 1 and 2.
• Preferably have working knowledge of fatigue, corrosion and high temperature creep life assessment using finite element analyses (Ansys preferred) to meet latest codes and standard requirements.
• Visualize and develop various load cases with different operating scenarios (dynamic and static) which include all physical properties of the vessel as applicable.
• Develop guidance on serviceability assessment of damaged or flawed components based on crack growth concepts and fracture mechanics.
• Responsible for development of mechanical component design requirements, design reports, data reports, purchase requirements of metallic components, material specifications in accordance with codes and standards, internal standards and project technical requirements.
• Liaison with internal and external manufacturing teams and resolve technical issues and improve constructability.
• Witness manufacturing, sign design and data reports, maintain liaison with authorized inspection agency.
• Work directly with other disciplines (manufacturing, procurement, civil,  and others) to ensure well integrated design that meets manufacturability, cost competitiveness and other requirement.
• Develop and use hand and computer calculations, spreadsheets, programs, or other tools for design.
• Provide organized and well written reports and presentations to describe assumptions, steps taken, and results from work performed.
• Provide leadership by learning, developing, and coordinating new techniques, standardizing procedures, and providing technical instruction and mentoring to department staff.
• Mentor and train entry level engineers in stress analysis and life assessment techniques
• Assist and provide expert guidance on field inspections, fabrication and installation of equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Mechanical Engineering or similar field of study
• Must have Professional Engineering License, preferably in CA, or the ability to get certification within 6 months
• 10+ years of experience in engineering organization involved in chemical, power or nuclear industry engineering design
• Experience in development of stress classification and load combinations for analysis of vessels and other components preferably using ASME Section III Division 5 and Section VIII Division 1 and 2.
• Expert on Codes and Standards specifically ASME Section III Division 5, Section VIII Division 1 and 2, and Piping Codes ASME B31.1 and B31.3 or similar codes and standards
• Preferably have knowledge of fatigue, corrosion and high temperature creep life assessment using finite element analyses to meet latest codes and standard requirements.
• Strong experience as ASME Code and Standards Lead with thorough understanding of structures, vessel, piping and component design and best practices
• Must have experience in interpretation of safe design and construction rules applicable for systems, structures and components (SSC) that conform to ASME Section III and/ or Section VIII or similar construction codes and enable approval from relevant authorities having jurisdiction.
• Experience in representation to Code and Standards Committees, Jurisdictional bodies required.
• Experience in leading code and standards committees (ASME) strongly preferred
• Thoroughly familiar with the application and scope of the ASME BPVC Sec III, Section VIII
• Knowledge in EN 12952 and EN 13445 preferable
• 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 

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like
• 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 25 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions 

• General office environment
• Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind 
• Noisy environments
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Evaluated heights
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE 

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

Travel 

• Some travel may be required (25%), if candidate is remote, travel expectation is up to 50%

Certification

• Must have PE certification or the ability to obtain license within 6 months

Additional Requirements 

• Occasionally requires working weekends 
• Requires schedule flexibility 
• Occasionally requires non-standard work-week hours
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines 

The salary range for this position is $133,900 to $157,500 for employees working onsite at our Alameda, CA headquarters. The range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate of candidates hired in California. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role.

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