Job Application for Materials Characterization Part-Time Co-Op

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 Materials Characterization Co-Op will work on the Materials team to support various materials qualification programs, fuels fabrication programs, and deployment of new characterization capabilities.

Responsibilities

Perform materials characterization to support structural materials qualification programs, including metallographic sample preparation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron back-scatter diffraction, optical microscopy.
Perform characterization to support TRISO and fuel pebble fabrication and quality control programs, including metallographic sample preparation, X-ray computed tomography
Develop new characterization methods in wet chemistry and analytical chemistry for TRISO particle and fuel pebble characterization, including manual techniques, HPLC, and ICP-MS
Support in installation and commissioning new characterization equipment
Support in development and writing of characterization procedures
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Currently pursuing a BS or MS degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or relevant discipline preferred
Must be in good academic standing with current educational institution
Able and willing to commit to 15-20 hours per week during spring 2026 school semester
Completion of or current enrollment in any of the following courses at University of New Mexico:
- CHEM 2310C Quantitative Analysis Lecture and Laboratory
- CHEM 453L Analytical Instrumentation: Theory and Application
- CBE 318L Chemical Engineering Laboratory I: Introduction to Experimentation
- CBE 371 Introduction to Materials Engineering
- NE 323L Radiation Detection and Measurement
- NE 313L Introduction to Laboratory Techniques for Nuclear Engineering
Exposure to SEM, HPLC, ICP and other analytical and characterization concepts is a plus
Exposure to data handling and modeling is a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Solid foundation and understanding on fundamentals of mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of materials is preferred
Knowledge of stainless steel, graphite, or TRISO is a plus
Ability to work with highly collaborative team
Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself 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 Conditions 

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts, etc. 
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 20 pounds in all directions
Communicating with others to exchange information
Use hand tools
Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams

Environmental Conditions

General office and laboratory environment
Noisy environments
Small and/or enclosed spaces
Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
Assessing 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
Handling of hazardous materials such as Beryllium and Uranium in lab environments

Travel 

Must have reliable means of transportation to and from Kairos Power facility in Albuquerque, NM

The salary range for this position is $27 to $29 per hour. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, ability and the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role.

#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.

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Materials Characterization Part-Time Co-Op - Spring 2026

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