Senior Manager, Engineering Operations

About the role

Kairos Power, a nuclear energy technology and engineering company focused on fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactors, is seeking a Senior Manager, Engineering Operations to lead and scale its engineering operations and test execution in a 24/7 environment. The role selects, trains and directs multi-disciplinary engineering support teams, operators and technical staff running high-temperature testing campaigns and commissioning of complex experimental systems, and will later cover activation and operations of operational nuclear reactors. It is based in Albuquerque, NM for about 12 months, then moves to Oak Ridge, TN.

Key responsibilities

• Set vision and direction for 24/7 engineering operations and build long-term plans to expand capabilities and improve reliability.
• Establish operational standards, identify and mitigate risks, and lead a team of managers, operators and engineers, including succession planning and performance management.
• Oversee test campaign planning, readiness reviews, execution protocols and post-test analysis, and ensure data integrity of SCADA, instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Maintain a strong nuclear safety culture, lead site operating programs, work controls and SOPs, and implement RCM and root cause analysis.
• Ensure the facility is staffed, trained and qualified for commissioning, startup and sustained operations, and support NRC licensing, audits and regulatory compliance.
• Lead cost-efficiency and capital-planning efforts and collaborate with EHS, R&D, Operations and Quality on procedures and operating envelopes.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (advanced degree preferred); minimum 8 years of experience in energy, nuclear, chemical or industrial operations, with at least 5 years leading technical or operational teams.
• Experience leading complex engineering or industrial operations; 24/7 operations experience highly desirable.
• Desirable: nuclear or advanced reactor operations, radiological monitoring, NRC licensing support, operator training programs, and Plant Manager/SRO certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Plant Manager/SRO certification and emergency-response qualifications; occasional weekend, schedule and extended hours.

Required skills

• Deep familiarity with P&IDs, SCADA, instrumentation and industrial control systems.
• Commissioning, startup, operational readiness and transition-to-operations.
• Nuclear safety culture, EHS standards, JHA development and regulatory compliance.
• Change management, risk identification and mitigation, and project and resource management.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and dependents.
• Paid vacation.
• 401(k) and pre-tax health insurance, dependent care and commuter benefits (FSA).