Simulator Engineer

Alameda, CA or Albuquerque, NM

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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

The Entry-Level Simulator Engineer, reporting to the Lead Engineer, Full-Scope Simulator Development, will support the design, development, and maintenance of the plant’s full-scope simulator. This critical tool replicates the advanced nuclear power plant’s real-world operations, including cyber-physical interactions and plant health monitoring systems. The Entry-Level Simulator Engineer will assist in building and testing simulation models, gathering data, and contributing to operator training and system optimization efforts. This role offers an opportunity to grow technical expertise in simulation technologies while collaborating with experienced engineers on a cutting-edge clean energy project.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and implementation of simulation models that replicate plant operations, including hardware interactions (e.g., PLCs) and real-time data flows.
• Implement and adhere to relevant regulatory frameworks and safety protocols (e.g., NRC guidelines) in the simulator’s design, development, and updates.
• Help integrate basic plant health monitoring features, such as diagnostics, into the simulator under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Contribute to the development of control room interfaces by providing input on usability and functionality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate the simulator with broader plant systems, aligning simulator features with overall safety and operational goals.
• Develop and execute comprehensive testing protocols to uphold high standards for simulation accuracy and reliability.
• Support troubleshooting efforts by identifying discrepancies between simulated and actual plant behavior, escalating complex issues to senior team members.
• Assist in preparing simulator scenarios for operator training, ensuring they reflect realistic operational conditions.
• Help maintain and update simulator documentation, including user guides and test reports, as directed.
• Provide basic support to engineers using the simulator for design and testing purposes.
• Actively learn simulation tools, industrial automation concepts, and Human Factors principles through hands-on experience and mentorship.
• Contribute ideas for simulator improvements based on observations and feedback from testing or training sessions.
• Drive continuous improvement of the simulator by integrating emerging technologies such as digital twins, advanced analytics, or modern simulation platforms.
• Research and recommend enhancements to simulator functionality, keeping pace with industry best practices and Kairos Power’s innovation goals.
• Create detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, user manuals, and validation reports for the simulator.
• Provide regular updates to the Senior Manager on project progress, challenges, and resource needs, ensuring alignment with broader cyber-physical system objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Internships, academic projects, or co-op roles in simulation, automation, or engineering fields, is a plus. 
• Exposure to simulation software, programming, or industrial systems through coursework or personal projects is a plus.
• Interest in nuclear energy, cyber-physical systems, or clean energy technologies is highly desirable.
• Basic proficiency with simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW) or programming languages (e.g., Python, C++).
• Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, or industrial communication protocols is a plus but not required.
• Willingness to learn real-time data acquisition and database tools (e.g., SQL).
• Basic understanding of data analytics tools or techniques for performance monitoring and model validation
• Introductory knowledge of Human Factors or user interface design is an advantage.
• Eagerness to learn and take on new challenges in a technical environment.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset to work with team members.
• Detail-oriented with an ability to follow instructions and manage assigned tasks effectively.
• Experience (academic or personal projects) integrating multiple systems (hardware, software, networks) to create cohesive simulations is a plus.
• Exposure to testing methodologies or QA processes, particularly for complex software or hardware-in-the-loop systems is a plus.
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts or energy industry operations.
• Enthusiasm for contributing to innovative clean energy solutions.

Physical Demands

• Remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or transitioning between worksites.
• Adjusting, moving, or transporting objects up to 25 pounds in all directions.
• Communicating effectively with team members and stakeholders.

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment with occasional visits to testing or plant facilities.
• High-concentration, fast-paced work requiring accuracy and thoroughness.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned

Safety and PPE 

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Color identification: detecting, distinguishing, recognizing and identifying colors
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, etc.

Travel

• Up to 15% travel to Kairos Power locations in Alameda, CA, Albuquerque, NM, or Oak Ridge, TN, as needed for collaboration or testing.

Additional Requirements 

• Occasional weekend work or schedule flexibility to support critical project milestones.
• Extended hours may be required during simulator deployment or validation phases.

The salary range for this position is $92,500-$108,800 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.

https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/kairospower/jobs/5392595004

Josefine Fleetwood (She/Her), Employer Relations Manager

Oregon State University | College of Engineering  

School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering

School of Nuclear Science and Engineering

Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering

116 Johnson Hall  - Room 112

541-737-7286

Josefine.fleetwood@oregonstate.edu