Back to jobs

Senior Machinist

Albuquerque, NM

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

Kairos Power is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Machinist with experience in machinery such as multi-head gantry mills, floor mills, or vertical turret lathes. In this role you will support precision machining operations of a wide range of component sizes requiring tight tolerances and complex geometry, including large-scale components that often exceed 10,000 lbs in weight and span over 10 feet in dimension. The Senior Machinist will contribute to Kairos Power’s machining capabilities by operating a variety of multi-axis machines to achieve tight tolerances and complex geometries with exceptional craftsmanship—supporting the execution of manufacturing processes that support the company’s Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor (FHR) program and broader technology initiatives.

Responsibilities

CNC Programming and Process Planning

  • Interprets blueprints to develop NC programs, design fixturing, plan machining sequences, and operate CNC machines to produce precision components.
  • Creates and edits NC programs using industry software such as MasterCam.
  • Creates work holding methods and plans for all machine operations.
  • Establishes work coordinate systems and tooling offsets.

Machine Setup and Operation

  • Sets up, operation and programing of a wide range of component sizes including but not limited to large-format CNC machines (such as multi-head gantry mill, floor mill and vertical turret lathe) to deliver parts to meet internal deadlines or quality requirements.
  • Positions and secures workpiece in holding device, machine table, chuck, centers, or fixtures.
  • Sets up and operates machines and equipment other than machine tools.
  • Observes operation of machine and verify conformance of machined workpiece to specifications.

Advanced Machining Applications

  • Executes rigging, material movement and setup of large (>10,000 lb) machined parts.
  • Performs precision machining operations on parts and components within multi-process assemblies. This includes machining operations on components that have undergone prior processes such as welding, rolling, and forming, contributing to a continuous and complex manufacturing workflow.

Collaboration and Technical Input

  • Engages in pre-job briefings and collaborates with engineering teams to offer practical input on efficient production methods and machining process improvements.

Production Control and Documentation

  • Maintains compliance with internal quality standards and proficiently utilizes job scheduling software to track production and shop floor operations.
  • Completes and maintains accurate job travelers and first article inspection reports to ensure documentation compliance and traceability throughout the manufacturing process.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED required, along with a minimum of ten years of relevant machining experience (including mill, lathe, 3-axis, 5-axis, and live-tooling); or an equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on experience.
  • Ability to adapt machining processes and operation between different jobs and complexities of parts, including ability to switch from small scale to large scale machinery
  • Experience in rigging, material movement and setup of large machined parts and supporting lift plans for movement of large material and parts
  • Knowledge of CAM-CAD software and G-Code; Experience in SolidWorks is a plus.
  • Proficient programming with CAM software (Mastercam preferred)
  • Experience in reading and interpreting engineering and assembly drawings
  • Understanding of basic and advanced GD&T such as: tolerancing, flatness, parallelism, thread tolerances, profile tolerances, perpendicularity
  • Knowledge and understanding of CNC cutting tool selections. cutting tool surface footage, and chip load feed rates
  • Ability to work with shop mathematical concepts to practical situations
  • Ability to maintain and use precision measuring tools such as: Vernier Calipers, Micrometers, Height gages, Gauge Pins, Gauge Blocks, Thread Gauges, etc.
  • Willingness to provide mentorship and technical guidance to machinists, fostering skill development, continuous improvement, and adherence to best practices in machining operations preferred, but not required
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to utilize computers and company-specific software, including timekeeping tools, training platforms, and work order systems to perform daily responsibilities effectively
  • Ability to work with highly collaborative team
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of organization
  • Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
  • Prioritizes and ensures safety of one self 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

Physical Demands

  • Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like
  • Setting up and transferring temporary structures (e.g. scaffolding, ladders)
  • 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
  • Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams

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
  • Evaluated heights
  • Accessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
  • High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE

  • Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
  • Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials
  • Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
  • Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

Certification

  • Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certification
  • Capable of obtaining crane and rigging certification

Additional Requirements

  • Sometimes requires working weekends
  • Often requires schedule flexibility
  • Often requires non-standard work-week hours
  • Often requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

#LI-Onsite

About our Benefits

We know that we have some of the most talented and dedicated employees, and we believe in rewarding them accordingly. If you work here, full-time employees (excludes interns) expect to have access to the benefits below:

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

Kairos Power is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities where we do business. Kairos Power is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We actively welcome people of different experiences, abilities, and perspectives.

Kairos Power participates in E-Verify.

Candidates only, no recruiters or agencies please.

Note: You are applying for a position that is located in a facility that handles information that is subject to export control restrictions by the Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. To work in this facility, you need to be authorized by the Department of Energy to access Part 810-controlled information. Foreign nationals who are citizens of countries that are not on the Department of Energy’s general authorization list (link below) are not permitted to work in our facility unless the Department of Energy issues an export control license to the company to permit that individual to have access to Part 810-controlled information. The following questions are intended to determine the licensing requirements that may apply. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/10/appendix-A_to_part_810

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Education

Select...
Select...
Select...

Please provide contact information of 3 professional references. Include at minimum 1 direct supervisor or manager.

Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Kairos Power’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.