Test Engineer - Lab Automation & Prototyping

Kairos Power; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401(k) with pre-tax options

Paid vacation

Job summary

Kairos Power is seeking a Test Engineer to support the design, development, and operation of experimental hardware and test systems for advanced reactor technology in Alameda, CA. The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, system integration, and data-driven iteration across mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing disciplines.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years building and validating experimental hardware, strong CAD/instrumentation experience, and familiarity with safety practices in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience designing, building, integrating, testing, commissioning, or troubleshooting experimental hardware or electromechanical systems.
• Experience with CAD and instrumentation.
• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, robotics, scientific instrumentation, or other advanced technology environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, fabricate, commission, and continuously improve experimental systems, prototype hardware, and laboratory equipment supporting advanced reactor technology development.
• Investigate technical problems by combining engineering analysis with hands-on experimentation to identify root causes and develop practical solutions.
• Design and integrate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, instrumentation, and control system components into functioning experimental hardware.
• Develop, modify, and optimize laboratory equipment, manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and prototype systems to improve capability, reliability, safety, and throughput.
• Plan, execute, and document engineering experiments that reduce technical uncertainty and generate actionable engineering knowledge.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, analysts, technicians, software engineers, and operations personnel to rapidly iterate hardware designs.
• Design and implement instrumentation, data acquisition, automation, and control solutions supporting laboratory testing.
• Troubleshoot multidisciplinary hardware systems using first-principles engineering methods, empirical testing, and systematic root cause analysis.
• Produce engineering documentation including design packages, test procedures, operating procedures, technical reports, and design review materials.
• Support commissioning, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of laboratory infrastructure and experimental facilities.
• Provide technical guidance to less-experienced engineers and technicians and may coordinate or direct technical tasks within assigned areas of work.

Job description

Kairos Power is seeking a Test Engineer to support the design, development, and operation of experimental hardware and test systems for advanced reactor technology in Alameda, CA. The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, system integration, and data-driven iteration across mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing disciplines.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years building and validating experimental hardware, strong CAD/instrumentation experience, and familiarity with safety practices in