Thermal Fluids Test Engineer Intern - Summer 2025

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Thermal Fluids Test Engineering Intern with experience relevant to design, construction, operation, and data acquisition and control of complex mechanical systems. In this role, you will contribute to the engineering design and technology development programs for the Kairos Power Fluoride Salt-Cooled High Temperature Reactor (KP-FHR). The ideal candidate has a hands-on approach to design, assembly and testing of mechanical systems, with either hands-on experience working in an R&D test lab or experience using SolidWorks CAD and other tools for design.

Responsibilities

• Assist the design of Kairos Power’s test equipment
• Use CAD and other tools to assist with design choices as part of cross-functional teams
• Perform scoping calculations to assess the technical value of designs
• Develop engineering drawings for design and fabrication
• Improve CAD design capabilities by working alongside Kairos Power’s engineers to create new designs or update designs to increase performance and manufacturability
• Work with Kairos Power test engineers to demonstrate real-world functionality of new designs
• Provide regular presentation updates on internship work and progress
• Develop technical reports for engineering work that is conducted
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Current Bachelors, Masters, or PhD student pursuing Mechanical, Nuclear or Chemical Engineering, or similar discipline
• Industry internships and/or research laboratory experience preferred
• Experience with 3D modeling and prototyping (SolidWorks preferred)
• Experience working in a laboratory or industrial environment on thermal/fluids testing is desirable, along with experience using associated laboratory equipment and hand tools
• Experience with thermal and fluids analysis and modeling is a plus
• Experience with a manufacturing environment is a plus
• Proven team player with excellent verbal and written communication/presentation
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of one self 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

Physical Conditions

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like
• Setting up and transferring temporary structures (e.g. scaffolding, ladders)
• 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 30 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Use hand tools

Environmental Conditions 

• General office environment
• Noisy environments
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Evaluated heights
• 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

The hourly range for this position is $30-34 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.

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