Chemical and Materials 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 exciting opportunities for students to join various Engineering teams within the Salt Chemistry, Fuels, and Materials organizations for Summer 2027. This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on engineering experience while contributing to the development of innovative technologies that support Kairos Power's mission to deliver advanced nuclear energy solutions that address climate change.

Interns will work alongside experienced engineers and scientists on meaningful technical projects, gaining exposure to research and development, laboratory operations, process engineering, manufacturing technologies, and multidisciplinary engineering collaboration.

Areas with potential internship opportunities:

• Chemical Test Engineering
• Materials Test Engineering
• Characterization Engineering
• Process Design Engineering
• Process Development Engineering
• Process Safety & Operations Engineering

General Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering teams on technical projects, research, and technology development initiatives.
• Apply engineering principles and technical skills in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments.
• Assist with experimental design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and documentation.
• Contribute to process design, process development, process safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the development, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies, equipment, and engineering solutions.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, engineering records, and project documentation to ensure reproducibility and compliance with applicable procedures.
• Participate in team meetings, technical reviews, and cross-functional collaborations to broaden understanding of multidisciplinary engineering challenges.
• Engage in training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to strengthen technical and professional development.
• Prepare and deliver presentations summarizing project objectives, technical work, and results to peers, mentors, and leadership at the conclusion of the internship.
• Assist with troubleshooting, maintenance, calibration, or improvement of laboratory and testing equipment under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled and pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, Materials 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.
• Familiarity with engineering software such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, Python, or similar technical tools.
• Understanding of basic engineering principles and practices.
• Experience with experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
• 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, presentation, and interpersonal communication 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 engineering principles acquired through academic coursework, laboratory experience, research projects, or prior internship experience.
• Ability to apply analytical thinking and engineering fundamentals to solve technical problems with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Familiarity with scientific methods, experimental design, data collection, and interpretation of engineering results.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and communicate technical information through reports, presentations, and documentation.
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety practices, engineering quality principles, and safe work procedures.
• Familiarity with engineering software or programming tools such as MATLAB, Python, AutoCAD, Excel, or similar technical applications.
• Ability to learn new engineering concepts, laboratory techniques, software tools, and equipment quickly.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, organized, and high-quality work.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to seek feedback while working both independently and collaboratively.
• 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 research and development environment.
• Commitment to safety, integrity, continuous learning, and professional development.
• Ability to proactively document, organize, and transfer technical knowledge with teammates and mentors.

Physical Conditions 

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• 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
• Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes
• Handling of Beryllium (Be)

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.