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Kairos power

Test Engineer - Instrumentation and Controls

Alameda, CA Full Time

Company Overview

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 Test Engineer, Instrumentation and Controls, with experience designing, building, and operating complex test systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software control components. This role focuses on the development of instrumentation and control systems that support the advancement of Kairos Power’s nuclear reactor subsystems. 

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in electronics and electrical integration, instrumentation development, and control system implementation—while also being comfortable with mechanical system interfaces. We’re looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented, and technically curious engineer who thrives in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments. 

Responsibilities 

  • Design, implement, and support electrical and instrumentation systems used in experimental, prototyping, and operational test environments. 
  • Develop and integrate control systems and software (e.g., PLCs, embedded controllers, or LabVIEW) for automated data collection and test operation. 
  • Specify, select, and integrate sensors, actuators, signal conditioning hardware, and DAQ equipment. 
  • Create and revise electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface documentation for system integration. 
  • Collaborate with engineers, lab technicians, and software developers to implement, commission, and operate test systems. 
  • Assist in assembly, wiring, calibration, and functional testing of instrumentation and control systems. 
  • Monitor and support test operations, including troubleshooting and real-time data collection. 
  • Develop and write procedures and documentation for system operation, calibration, and data acquisition workflows. 
  • Author technical reports that summarize test system performance, test results, and lessons learned. 
  • Participate in and lead design reviews to ensure electrical and control systems meet functional, safety, and performance requirements. 
  • Support other duties as assigned, including occasional travel to partner or test facilities. 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. 
  • 3+ years of relevant industry experience in electro-mechanical systems, instrumentation, or test engineering. 
  • Experience with control systems and automation software (e.g., PLC programming, LabVIEW, Python, or embedded development). 
  • Experience with CAD tools (Solidworks or similar) is preferred.
  • Experience with systems modeling tools (Simulink, Apros, or similar) is preferred.
  • Experience with circuit design, printed circuit board layout, and circuit diagnosis is a plus. 
  • Hands-on experience designing, building, and troubleshooting electrical panels, sensor networks, or DAQ systems. 
  • Strong technical documentation skills, including test procedures, system schematics, and reports. 
  • Comfortable working across disciplines in multi-functional teams. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

  • Proficiency in electrical and controls design, including wiring diagrams and component specification. 
  • Familiarity with sensors, transducers, signal conditioning, and data acquisition systems. 
  • Familiarity with electrical safety, including high-voltage systems and grounding practices. 
  • Working knowledge of mechanical systems and their integration with electrical/control components. 
  • Proficiency with control system tools such as PLC platforms, LabVIEW, Simulink, or custom control frameworks. 
  • Working knowledge of typical manufacturing and welding techniques.
  • Familiarity with instrumentation calibration, test automation, and closed-loop control systems. 
  • Exposure to regulated industries such as nuclear, aerospace, or automotive is a plus. 
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to collaborate effectively across disciplines. 

Physical Demands 

  • 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 50 pounds in all directions. 

Environmental Conditions 

  • General office environment 
  • Prototyping/Test Facilities 
  • Manufacturing/Industrial Environments 

Safety and PPE 

  • Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs 
  • Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials 
  • Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions 
  • Color identification: detecting, distinguishing, recognizing and identifying colors
  • Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, etc. 

Travel 

  • Occasional travel may be required 

Additional Requirements