Plant Manager, Engineering Operations
About this role
Kairos Power seeks a Plant Manager, Engineering Operations to lead the construction, commissioning, and startup of a fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor facility. This role bridges design and operations, requiring expertise in managing complex chemical plants with hazardous materials through full lifecycle—from construction oversight to operational readiness. You will oversee the transition from engineering design to full operational status, including safety-critical commissioning activities.
Responsibilities
- —Monitor construction progress to ensure implementation aligns with approved designs and regulatory requirements
- —Identify and resolve potential operating issues during construction phases
- —Lead punch listing and equipment installation verification activities
- —Participate in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and HAZOP reviews for safe operations
- —Develop hiring plans and manage production engineers, operators, and comprehensive training programs
- —Develop operating procedures, QA/QC protocols aligned to frozen design basis
- —Create and maintain Management of Change procedures with compliance documentation
- —Develop system definitions and handover packages for operational transfer
- —Lead process commissioning efforts for all reactor and support systems
- —Approve system handover for release to operations
- —Develop commissioning, unit startup, and plant startup schedules
- —Procure startup materials including consumables, safety equipment, and personnel equipment
Qualifications
- —B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
- —10+ years managing operations at newly constructed chemical plants (Oil & Gas, Chemical Production, Factory Manufacturing, or similar handling hazardous chemicals)
- —5+ years supervisory experience managing up to 30 direct reports including engineers, operators, and technicians
- —Proven success managing operations in complex chemical plants handling hazardous materials
- —Experience commissioning complex chemical plants
- —Proven track record managing diverse workforces and resolving technical issues
Desired
- —Forklift and boom lift certifications or capability to obtain
- —Experience with radiological materials handling
- —Experience with beryllium handling
Location
Onsite; up to 10% travel; shift flexibility including occasional 2nd shift (3:00 PM), 3rd shift (11:00 PM), weekends, and extended hours. Physical demands include ladder/scaffold use, confined spaces, lifting up to 50 lbs, exposure to chemicals/fumes, elevated heights, and color identification capability.
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Job details
About the company
Kairos Power →A developer of the fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor (KP-FHR), building the Hermes demonstration reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
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Plant Manager, Engineering Operations
Kairos Power