Senior Engineer, Mechanical Design And Analysis

Job Summary 

Kairos Power is looking for an experienced mechanical engineer to lead the design and analysis of pressure vessels and other systems, structures and components (SSC) 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 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 

• Analyze and evaluate using FEA or other numerical and / or analytical techniques vessels (including pressure vessels) and other mechanical components for compliance to design and construction codes and standards as well as project requirements
• Perform stress analysis and post-processing of analysis data of vessels and components using both classic and finite element analysis methods
• Develop tools and methods for analyzing and evaluating pressure vessels and other SSCs in compliance with ASME B&PV Codes Section III Division 5 and Section VIII Division 1 and 2 mechanical equipment design and analysis including Design-by-Analysis Section VIII Part 5.
• Develop 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
• Employ fatigue, corrosion and high temperature creep life assessment using finite element analyses (Ansys preferred) to meet latest codes and standard requirements.
• Serviceability assessment of damaged or flawed components based on crack growth concepts and fracture mechanics
• Visualize and develop various load cases with different operating scenarios (dynamic and static) which include all physical properties of the vessel as applicable
• 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
• Review design calculations and reports performed
• Sign an certify design calculations, reports including data reports in accordance with company standards and ASME and other codes and standards
• 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 PE license or the ability to obtain one within 6 months
• 8+ years of experience in engineering organization involved in chemical, power or nuclear industry design and analysis
• Experience as Vessel Design Lead with thorough understanding of vessel design and layout and best practices
• 5+ years of experience in stress analysis and post-processing of analysis data of vessels and components using both classic and finite element analysis methods
• Experience in developing tools and methods for analyzing and evaluating pressure vessels and other SSCs in compliance with ASME B&PV Code Section III Division 5 and Section VIII Division 1 and 2 mechanical equipment design and analysis including design-by-analysis Section VIII Part 5
• Experienced in 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 
• Experience in employing fatigue, corrosion and high temperature creep life assessment using finite element analyses (Ansys preferred) to meet latest codes and standards requirements 
• Have knowledge of serviceability assessment of damaged or flawed components based on crack growth concepts and fracture mechanics 
• Worked directly with other disciplines (manufacturing, procurement, civil, and others) to ensure well integrated design that meet manufacturability, cost competitiveness and other requirements
• Have developed and used hand and computer calculations, spreadsheets, programs, and other tools for design 
• Thoroughly familiar with the application and scope of the ASME BPVC Sec III and Section VIII
• Competent in Solidworks modeling for vessel and component design
• Knowledge of inspection and examination of vessels and components to assess good fabrication 
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to problem solve quickly and efficiently
• 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 
• 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)
• 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 50 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Use hand tools

Environmental Conditions 

• General office environment
• Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind 
• Noisy environments
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• 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
• 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 (20%), if remote, travel expectation is up to 50%  

Certification

• Must have Professional Engineering License or the ability to obtain one 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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