Test Engineer

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a highly capable Test Engineer to support the design, development, and operation of experimental hardware, laboratory infrastructure, and first-of-a-kind test systems supporting advanced reactor technology.

This role is centered on solving technical problems through a combination of engineering analysis, hands-on experimentation, rapid prototyping, and multidisciplinary system integration. Successful candidates are equally comfortable developing engineering concepts, building hardware, instrumenting experiments, analyzing results, and iterating designs based on experimental evidence.

The Test Engineer works closely with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and test engineers to accelerate technology maturation by developing laboratory capabilities, developing prototype hardware, improving manufacturing processes, and investigating unexpected system behavior.

This position combines engineering design and experimentation to develop and improve experimental capabilities, prototype systems, and engineering solutions. The Test Engineer applies established engineering principles and methods while exercising judgment in the evaluation and resolution of complex technical issues.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, fabricate, commission, and continuously improve experimental systems, prototype hardware, and laboratory equipment supporting advanced reactor technology development.
• Investigate technical problems by combining engineering analysis with hands-on experimentation to identify root causes and develop practical solutions.
• Design and integrate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, instrumentation, and control system components into functioning experimental hardware.water
• Develop, modify, and optimize laboratory equipment, manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and prototype systems to improve capability, reliability, safety, and throughput.
• Plan, execute, and document engineering experiments that reduce technical uncertainty and generate actionable engineering knowledge.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, analysts, technicians, software engineers, and operations personnel to rapidly iterate hardware designs.
• Design and implement instrumentation, data acquisition, automation, and control solutions supporting laboratory testing.
• Troubleshoot multidisciplinary hardware systems using first-principles engineering methods, empirical testing, and systematic root cause analysis.
• Produce engineering documentation including design packages, test procedures, operating procedures, technical reports, and design review materials.
• Support commissioning, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of laboratory infrastructure and experimental facilities.
• Provide technical guidance to less-experienced engineers and technicians and may coordinate or direct technical tasks within assigned areas of work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Physics, or related engineering discipline or equivalent demonstrated experience developing complex multidisciplinary engineering systems.
• 5+ years of experience designing, building, integrating, testing, commissioning, or troubleshooting experimental hardware or electromechanical systems.
• Experience developing laboratory equipment, prototype systems, manufacturing tooling, robotics, automation systems, or research infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience integrating mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, pneumatic, or software systems.
• Experience with CAD and mechanical design.
• Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, controls, LabVIEW, PLCs, Python, embedded systems, or similar engineering tools is desirable.
• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, robotics, scientific instrumentation, semiconductor, or other advanced technology environments is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to solve ambiguous technical problems through a combination of engineering reasoning, experimentation, and hands-on implementation.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, fabrication methods, precision assembly, and prototype development.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, sensors, instrumentation, control hardware, and data acquisition.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply applicable laboratory and engineering safety practices when designing, building, testing, and operating experimental hardware.
• Ability to develop test approaches, evaluate experimental data, and draw technically supported conclusions to inform engineering decisions.
• Ability to rapidly learn unfamiliar technologies and apply them to engineering problems.
• Ability to design, build, test, modify, and optimize multidisciplinary engineering systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills spanning mechanical, electrical, software, and process domains.
• Ability to balance analytical engineering with practical implementation and rapid iteration.
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, machinists, software developers, and operations personnel.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and sound engineering judgment when working with incomplete information.

Physical Demands

• 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 20 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Use hand tools

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced
• Prototyping/Testing environment
• Manufacturing/Industrial Environment 

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 footwear, or other PPE as required

Travel

• Some travel may be required (up to 10%)

Additional Requirements

• Occasionally requires working weekends
• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

The salary range for this position is $127,270 to $143,847 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 maybe used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, ability and the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role. 

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