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Lead Machinist

Alburquerque, 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 an experienced and motivated Lead Machinist to oversee daily machining operations, provide technical guidance to the machining team, and ensure production quality and efficiency. This role involves hands-on operation and programming of CNC mills and lathes, schedule planning, and coordination of workflow across the shop floor. The Lead Machinist is responsible for upholding safety, quality, and performance standards while fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment. 

Responsibilities 

  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to the machining operations team. 
  • Monitor machinist performance and provide feedback or coaching to promote skill development and accountability. 
  • Plan and delegate daily machining tasks based on production schedules and priorities. 
  • Perform complex machining operations using 3- and 5-axis CNC mills and CNC lathes. 
  • Create, modify, and troubleshoot NC programs using CAM software. 
  • Oversee machine maintenance and ensure equipment is in safe working condition. 
  • Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to ensure product compliance. 
  • Establish work coordinate systems, tooling offsets, and work holding solutions for efficient setups. 
  • Select appropriate tools, speeds, feeds, and cutting parameters based on material and part geometry. 
  • Monitor machining processes to maintain dimensional accuracy and adherence to tolerances. 
  • Inspect parts during and after machining to ensure conformance to specifications and ISO standards. 
  • Maintain detailed job records, inspection reports, and other production documentation. 
  • Ensure all parts are clean and properly prepared for shipment or further processing. 
  • Support inventory control and material traceability throughout the machining process. 
  • Collaborate with engineers and other departments to resolve technical issues and improve workflows. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

  • High School Diploma or GED; 7+ years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience 
  • Experience in using and/or programming manual, semi-automated or automated tools and machines (lathes, mills, grinders etc.) 
  • Experience using CAM software (e.g MasterCam) for programming CNC machines. 
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other quality management systems desired. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

  • Good at math with analytical abilities 
  • Ability to use precision tools (e.g. calipers, micrometers) to take accurate measurements 
  • Knowledge of the properties of metal and other material 
  • Ability to read blueprints, schematics and manuals. Understanding GD&T callouts and dimensioning. 
  • Familiarity with shop floor management tools or ERP/MRP systems for tracking work orders and production status. 
  • Understanding of machining related safety standards. 
  • Competence in managing tooling inventory, setup sheets, and job documentation.  
  • Ability to work with highly collaborative team. 
  • 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 

  • Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces 
  • Remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods 
  • Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another 
  • Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like. 
  • Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment or machinery 
  • Use of hand tools 
  • Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 50 pounds in all directions 
  • Communicating with others to exchange information 
  • Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams  

Environmental Conditions 

  • Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind  
  • Noisy environments 
  • Low temperatures 
  • High temperatures 
  • 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 
  • Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions 
  • Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes 

Travel

  • Some travel may be required (up to 10%)

Certification

  • Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certification

Additional Requirements 

  • Occasionally requires overtime 
  • Occasionally requires working weekends 
  • Occasionally requires schedule flexibility 
  • Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines 
  • Ability to work second shift 

#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

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