Welding Engineer

Senior Electron Beam Welding EngineerAlbuquerque, NMKairos 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.Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Senior Electron Beam Welding Engineer that will be responsible for in-house electron beam welding (EBW) capability development and technology maturation. In this role, you will work on the Welding Development team to assist in the advancement and implementation of welding and manufacturing capabilities. The candidate will partner with design, testing, materials, modeling & simulation, and reliability engineers to develop weld joint design, weld techniques, weld specifications, and inspection methods needed for welded KP-FHR and test platform assemblies.Procedure Development & QualificationDesign, develop, and maintain EBW procedures and supporting documentation (WPS/PQR) to meet material, joint, and quality requirements in compliance with applicable codes, standards (e.g., AWS, ASME, API), and regulatory expectations.Develop and execute weld qualification plans, including test coupons and validation trials, in coordination with quality and materials teamsAnticipate future welding needs by aligning EBW procedures and qualification strategies with evolving product designs, manufacturing processes, and regulatory demands.Quality Assurance & Process OptimizationOversee and review EBW inspections to verify compliance with design specifications and applicable quality standards.Analyze weld test data to identify trends, determine root causes of defects, and implement corrective actions to enhance welding performance and reliability.Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize EBW processes, increase efficiency, reduce cost, and maintain high-quality output.Collaboration & TrainingPartner with design engineers, production teams, and key stakeholders to integrate EBW processes into the manufacturing workflow effectively.Provide hands-on training and mentorship to welding technicians and operators on EBW techniques, safety protocols, and industry best practices.Technical Documentation & ReportingDevelop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including process instructions, work procedures, and detailed reports.Ensure accurate recordkeeping of EBW procedures, inspection results, and quality control data to support traceability and continuous improvement.Equipment Ownership & MaintenanceEnsure performance, reliability, and availability of EBW systems, including high-vacuum chambers, beam control units, and power supplies.Monitor and calibrate critical parameters (e.g., beam alignment, focus, power output, vacuum integrity) to maintain process consistency and compliance with specifications.Lead maintenance and upgrade initiatives, including preventive planning, troubleshooting, vendor coordination, and system improvements to enhance automation and long-term equipment reliability.Other Duties as AssignedQualificationsBachelor's degree or higher in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical fieldMinimum 5 years of welding engineering experience, with substantial hands-on experience in EBW requiredExperience with weld inspection methods, including both destructive testing and non-destructive examination (NDE) techniquesHands-on experience working with austenitic stainless steels, carbon steels, piping systems, and pressure vesselsExperience leading cross-functional projects or mentoring junior engineers and technicians is preferred.Experience with manual and CNC machining operations is preferredKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesStrong knowledge of EBW processes, high-vacuum systems, and high-voltage equipment operationProficient in reading and interpreting complex engineering and assembly drawings, including weld symbols and geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T)Familiarity with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and AWS structural welding standardsSkilled in using CAD software such as SolidWorks for part modeling and drawing generationProficient with computers and digital tools used in technical documentation, data analysis, and process developmentFamiliarity with the calibration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of EBW systems and associated instrumentation.Strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive continuous improvement through data-driven analysis and collaborationProven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, agile manufacturing or development environmentExcellent verbal and written communication skills; able to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, and quality teamsAbility to collect, manage, and transfer technical knowledge across teams or documentation systemsCommitted to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplaceAbility to work with highly collaborative team.Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others.Ability to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issues.Physical DemandsAscending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the likeSetting up and transferring temporary structures (e.g. scaffolding, ladders)Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spacesRemaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periodsMoving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to anotherAdjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 50 pounds in all directionsCommunicating with others to exchange informationOperating motor vehicles, heavy equipment or machineryUse hand toolsRepetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teamsEnvironmental ConditionsLow temperaturesHigh temperaturesOutdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and windNoisy environmentsSmall and/or enclosed spacesOdors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactionsElevated heightsAccessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assignedHigh-concentration, demanding and fast-pacedGeneral office environmentManufacturing/Industrial EnvironmentSafety and PPEReading and interpreting hazardous warning signsWearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, etc.Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditionsTravelSome travel may be required (up to 20%) to other Kairos Power offices or external suppliersAdditional RequirementsOccasionally requires overtimeOccasionally requires working weekendsOccasionally requires schedule flexibilityOccasionally requires non-standard work-week hoursOccasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelinesAbout our BenefitsCompetitive compensation packagesMedical, dental and vision benefits for employees and their dependentsPaid Vacation401(k) and pre-tax health insurance, dependent care, and commuter benefits (FSA)Kairos Power is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities where we do business. Kairos Power is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran