Thermal Hydraulics Engineer

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Thermal Hydraulics Engineer with experience using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, lower resolution codes (porous media and system codes) and thermal fluids analysis methods applied to nuclear core design, reactor systems and component design, and verification and validation methods. This role will contribute to the methods development, engineering design, and testing programs for the KP-FHR through the characterization and quantification of vessel and component fluids and heat transfer phenomena. The role will have experience applying results and outcomes from thermal hydraulic analyses to inform engineering design and fabrication of systems, structures and components. The candidate should also have experience in CFD turbulence modeling, conjugate heat transfer, porous media methods, code coupling, verification and validation, computer aided design (CAD), and code automation.

 Responsibilities

• Perform core thermal hydraulic analyses using CFD, porous media codes and analytical methods to support KP-FHR core design and optimization
• Perform thermal hydraulic analyses for reactor system and component design
• Support the development of automation and coupling tools
• Provide input for code verification planning and experiment design to ensure sufficiency of acquired data for code validation
• Publish engineering reports documenting design details or qualification test results
• Maintain knowledge of and assess compliance with applicable codes and standards
• Other duties as assigned
• Collaborate with and communicate results to various teams, including Reactor Systems Design, CFD, Core Design, Safety Analysis, and Testing teams

Qualifications

• Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering, or equivalent; BS (4+ years experience), MS (2+ years experience), or PhD (1+ years experience) is preferred 
• Experience with porous media modeling experience
• Experience applying thermal hydraulic analysis results to engineering design and fabrication
• Familiarity with high Prandtl number fluids heat transfer modeling
• Experience benchmarking and coupling thermal hydraulic analyses across different modeling resolutions and timescales
• Experience using analytical methods and CFD simulation to perform fluid and conjugate heat transfer analyses
• Understanding of nuclear reactor systems
• Experience in verification, validation and uncertainty quantification methods
• 4+ years of using commercial CFD tools; Siemens STAR-CCM+ preferred
• Experience with JAVA, Python and FORTRAN languages
• Proficiency with CAD modeling; Solidworks or STAR-CCM+ 3D CAD preferred
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills

Physical Conditions

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions

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

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

Travel 

• Some travel may be required: 0-10% 

Additional Requirements 

• Seldomly requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

The salary range for this position is $112,800 to $132,700 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.

Onsite: #LI-Onsite