Civil Engineering Internship - Summer 2027

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.

Please note: This is a pipeline posting for anticipated Summer 2027 internship opportunities. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as internship positions are approved and hiring needs are identified.

Job Summary

Kairos Power is offering an exciting opportunity for students to join our Civil Structures team as an intern for Summer 2027. This internship provides a unique, hands-on experience supporting the design, analysis, and development of advanced reactor structures while contributing to groundbreaking projects in the nuclear energy sector. Interns will gain practical experience through engineering analysis, high-performance computing, structural design, and experimental investigative methods while working alongside experienced engineers on first-of-a-kind technologies.

General Responsibilities

• Learn and apply applicable building codes, structural design codes, and engineering standards in support of civil and structural engineering projects.
• Perform engineering calculations and structural analyses using hand calculations and commercially available finite element analysis software such as ANSYS.
• Evaluate structural designs under static, dynamic, blast, vibration, thermal, and fatigue loading conditions.
• Develop and maintain 3D models and 2D engineering drawings using CAD software.
• Prepare engineering reports, technical documentation, calculations, and presentations supporting design and analysis activities.
• Assist in the evaluation and selection of structural materials and contribute to the development of structural component specifications.
• Participate in design reviews and multidisciplinary engineering discussions to ensure designs meet safety, quality, operability, and performance objectives.
• Collaborate with engineers across multiple disciplines to support design development, testing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to strengthen technical and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current student pursuing a B.S. or M.S. in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Demonstrated application of technical skills outside of the classroom through laboratory work, research, extracurricular projects, personal projects, or prior internship/work experience is highly preferred.
• Experience with CAD software; SolidWorks experience is preferred.
• Experience with explicit dynamics analysis is a plus.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python or Excel Macros is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Self-starter with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
• 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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of civil and structural engineering principles acquired through academic coursework, laboratory experience, research projects, or prior internship experience.
• Understanding of structural mechanics, statics, mechanics of materials, and engineering analysis fundamentals.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and apply analytical thinking to solve technical problems with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Familiarity with structural analysis methods and finite element analysis (FEA) concepts; experience with engineering software such as ANSYS or similar tools is desirable.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, design calculations, technical specifications, and applicable engineering standards.
• Basic understanding of engineering design considerations including structural loading, fatigue, vibration, thermal stresses, and material behavior.
• Familiarity with CAD software and the ability to develop or modify 2D drawings and 3D models.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and communicate technical information through reports, presentations, and engineering documentation.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, organized, and high-quality engineering work.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn new engineering concepts, software tools, and design methodologies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced engineering and research environment.
• Commitment to safety, integrity, continuous learning, and professional development.
• Ability to proactively document, organize, and share technical knowledge with teammates and mentors.

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
• 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
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

The hourly range for this position is $31-33 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.

About our Benefits

We know that we have some of the most talented and dedicated employees, and we believe in rewarding them accordingly. If you work here, full-time employees (excludes interns) expect to have access to the benefits below:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and their dependents
• Paid Vacation
• 401(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 status. We actively welcome people of different experiences, abilities, and perspectives.

Kairos Power participates in E-Verify.

Candidates only, no recruiters or agencies please.

Note: You are applying for a position that is located in a facility that handles information that is subject to export control restrictions by the Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. To work in this facility, you need to be authorized by the Department of Energy to access Part 810-controlled information. Foreign nationals who are citizens of countries that are not on the Department of Energy’s general authorization list (link below) are not permitted to work in our facility unless the Department of Energy issues an export control license to the company to permit that individual to have access to Part 810-controlled information. The following questions are intended to determine the licensing requirements that may apply.