nuclearhustle

Principal Engineer, Heat Transport System

Kairos Power·Alameda, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Oak Ridge, TN; Remote·Posted July 2026
Nuclear industryUS only

About this role

Principal Engineer leading technical design and deployment of Kairos Power's fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor heat transport systems. Responsible for molten salt steam generators, pumps, valves, and auxiliary systems. Reports to Senior Manager of Engineering Integration and drives rapid commercialization of next-generation nuclear power equipment.

Responsibilities

  • Design and deploy the Nuclear Heat Recovery Steam Generator (NHRSG), focusing on molten salt steam generators, salt pumps, valves, and auxiliary systems
  • Lead design trades, performance analyses, and optimization of the NHRSG to meet commercial and regulatory needs
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate the NHRSG with overall plant design and operations
  • Manage and coordinate external partners, suppliers, regulators, and vendors in power generation
  • Oversee preparation of technical specifications, design documents, and system drawings for all NHRSG components
  • Perform feasibility studies and risk assessments related to commercial molten salt technologies and subsystems
  • Support commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of the NHRSG during plant startup phase
  • Lead or support formal design reviews, interface reviews, hazard reviews, and technical readiness reviews
  • Support supplier technical oversight, including review of deliverables, technical deviations, test plans, and qualification evidence
  • Build and mentor small engineering team, guiding professional growth and innovation

Qualifications

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field. 10+ years experience in design and development of power conversion systems in nuclear or thermal power sectors. Demonstrated experience managing complex engineering projects and leading technical teams. Thorough understanding of evaluation, design, and licensing of new technology. Demonstrated experience with physical hardware deployment in heat transfer systems. Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics as applied to molten salt systems. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of system integration, interface management, and verification/validation practices. Ability to apply safety, quality, and configuration management principles to engineering design. Prioritizes and demonstrates nuclear safety culture.

Desired

Experience with heat transport systems using molten salt or other high-temperature fluids. Experience with requirements management, systems engineering, or design control processes for complex engineered systems. Experience reviewing or developing technical specifications, procurement documents, test plans, or acceptance criteria for major equipment. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards for molten salt systems. Experience with nuclear-specific or concentrating solar power applications.

Location

General office environment with up to 25% travel. Occasional schedule flexibility and extended hours required for testing, commissioning, and critical project timelines.

Job details

FieldEngineering
Salary$175k–$218k/yr
LocationAlameda, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Oak Ridge, TN; Remote
IndustryNuclear energy
PostedJul 2026

Skills & Tools

Heat TransferThermodynamicsMolten Salt SystemsSystems EngineeringDesign ControlNuclear Safety

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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Principal Engineer, Heat Transport System

Kairos Power · $175k–$218k/yr

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