PITA Pre-Commissioning Engineer
Kairos Power · Oak Ridge, TN · onsite
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.
Job Summary
A Pre-commissioning Engineer in the Pre-commissioning, Install, Test, and Assembly (PITA) group supports the successful execution of complex manufacturing projects by tracking configuration control, pre-commissioning testing activities, resolving cross-functional roadblocks, and ensuring build quality and completeness. This role serves as a key liaison between those in the field (technicians, assembly engineers), design engineers, and operations teams, driving timely delivery and completion of technical systems in the form of modular skids. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and compliance, PITA Pre-commissioning Engineers promote efficient workflows, clear communication, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Support modular skid configuration management and pre-commissioning for the Hermes 2 project in Tennessee.
- Identify, troubleshoot, and propose solutions for build and construction non-conformances and other complex assembly problems that may arise during fabrication and assembly of modular skids.
- Conduct regular field walk-downs during builds to identify and document fabrication, assembly, and configuration discrepancies.
- Track task deadlines and production schedules based on project milestones.
- Coordinate resources and resolve roadblocks by collaborating with other teams within PITA, and responsible design parties.
- Support project reviews, ensuring manufacturing requirements and design decisions are clearly communicated, documented, and aligned with production goals.
- Proactively identify and resolve information gaps, discrepancies between drawings and as-built configurations, and reduce assembly rework by working cross-functionally to implement practical, technically sound solutions in fast-paced, evolving environments.
- Communicate pre-commissioning status and associated schedule risks effectively to stakeholders, including project leads, engineering, operations, and quality teams, ensuring alignment and transparency.
- Support continuous improvement by identifying inefficiencies, implementing process enhancements, and supporting training on field walk-downs and processes.
- Perform assigned fabrication, assembly, and pre-commissioning activities in accordance with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
- Support change management processes by evaluating engineering changes and assessing their impact on production timelines and resources.
- Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor efficiencies, non-conformances, and support data-driven decision-making.
- Contribute to risk assessments and mitigation planning for manufacturing integration activities, particularly during the introduction of new processes.
- Document and standardize field walk-down and build quality workflows to promote consistency, scalability, and knowledge transfer across teams.
- Collaborate on new design/project efforts, ensuring manufacturability and integration readiness from prototype to full-scale production.
- Coordinate/partner with additional resourcing from PITA (technologist support), and travel to KP-SW fabrication facilities to support pre-commissioning activities of components and skids as necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned, supporting the team and company in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline; master’s degree is desirable.
- 3+ years of experience in relevant construction, manufacturing operations, or quality control environments, with a strong track record in build execution, resource coordination, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Demonstrated experience in applying established safety procedures in industrial or technical work environments.
- Experience in transitioning designs from prototype to production is desirable.
- Experience working in a highly regulated or safety-critical environment (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, automotive, medical devices) is desirable.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Deep understanding of process documentation, including PFDs and P&IDs, and how they inform industrial system operations and integration.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications and translate them into actionable manufacturing requirements.
- Familiarity with manufacturing workflows, supply chain logistics, and inventory control, with experience supporting the design, procurement, and assembly of complex technical systems.
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, able to manage multiple priorities in dynamic environments while maintaining attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document plans, track changes, and effectively convey information across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.
- Proactive, adaptable, and collaborative, with a proven ability to lead cross-functional efforts, seek process improvements, and drive results.
- Familiarity with ERP systems and production planning tools (e.g., JobBOSS, Oracle, Infor), with the ability to analyze and use production data to optimize performance.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
- Skilled in risk assessment and mitigation related to manufacturing and system integration activities.
- Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and digital manufacturing tools for real-time tracking and control.
- Understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
- Effective stakeholder management and influence across technical and non-technical teams.
- Ability to work with a 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.
- Familiar with basic measurement tools and methods.
Physical Demands
- Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like
- Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces
- 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 50 pounds in all directions
- Communicating with others to exchange information
- Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment or machinery
- Use hand tools
Environmental Conditions
- General office environment
- Low temperatures
- High temperatures
- Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind
- Noisy environments
- Small and/or enclosed spaces
- Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
- Elevated heights
- Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
- High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced
- Prototyping/Test Facilities
- Manufacturing/Industrial Environments
Safety and PPE
- Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
- Reporting