Operators

Job Summary 

Kairos Power is seeking highly motivated Operators to support our plant operations. In this role, the individual is responsible for the proficient operation of assigned equipment or specific areas within the plant and demonstrates a keen focus on safety, reliability, and optimal performance. Their duties encompass the execution and reporting of operational activities, utilizing discretionary time to contribute to sustainable facility results. Drawing upon a foundation of established basic technical skills, the operator works collaboratively to proactively address and resolve unplanned events within their collective capabilities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a combination of technical acumen, operational expertise, and a commitment to maintaining a secure and efficient plant environment through proactive problem-solving and collaboration.

Responsibilities 

• Follows policies, principles, procedures, standards, and practices to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant areas.
• Operates and field checks process equipment. Monitors process conditions, key performance metrics, equipment and control systems and makes appropriate decisions to maintain and/or achieve desired rates and conditions aligned with Kairos’s goals.
• Performs scheduled operational and related tasks and tasks that arise because of resolving unplanned events.
• Works with shift team members and other shift teams to leverage skills and knowledge to balance workload ensuring assigned tasks are completed by due dates.
• Conducts effective shift relief, as defined in facility specific operating discipline and tools, to ensure effective communication and handoff to arriving shift team.
• Maintains qualification in assigned areas, per Kairos’s policy, and completes training goals in a timely manner. This includes using discretionary time to address skills and knowledge gaps.
• Mentors and trains new and existing operations personnel on process operation, troubleshooting and the use of operating discipline in alignment to Kairos’s training process. 
• Performs Immediate Response activities, as assigned.
• Initiates and documents preliminary investigations according to plant specific process/criteria and participates in formal and informal root cause investigations for events 
• Tracks and utilizes the plant's Key Performance Indicators on shift that are applicable to the role to optimize operations and identify improvement opportunities. Uses process knowledge and skills to make improvements in plant performance and operating discipline. Proactively identifies improvements and opportunities utilizing the facility improvement processes, appropriate management of change processes and communication tools.
• Performs minor maintenance, including minor repairs and preventative maintenance, utilizing appropriate policies, procedures, processes, and disciplines.
• Commissions, and operate mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Prepares, reviews, and executes system and component level commissioning, and operating procedures.
• Performs acceptance testing following new equipment installation including hydrostatic, pneumatic, I/O checks, and electrical component calibrations checks.
• Supports day-to-day operations of the assigned facility including startup, monitor, and shutdown processes and auxiliary equipment.
• Performs chemistry sampling and analysis using standardized analytical instruments and procedures.
• Performs equipment troubleshooting as necessary and effectively escalates issues to the appropriate support roles
• Perform Lockout-Tagout of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Reviews and executes hazardous operations per standardized operating procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

• Associate degree in a Process Technology or related program or equivalent or 2+ years of experience as a plant operator or technician (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, chemicals, power plant, military, or similar backgrounds are highly desired)
• Ability to understand, follow and create technical procedures.
• Ability and interest in being cross trained and learning different processes to perform other jobs as needed.
• Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials in PPE including SCBA, full-face respirator and Tyvek suit.
• Familiarity with basic hand tools
• Mechanically inclined with an ability to operate plant equipment, hands-on experience with plant equipment and operations desired
• Experience with Instrumentation and Controls systems
• Computer skills including spreadsheet use.
• Ability to communicate with others effectively.
• Ability to read P&ID and mechanical/electrical drawings.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others by working safely and complying with EH&S standards.
• 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 and JLG.
• 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, positioning, or removing objects up to 50 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery.
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams.

Environmental Conditions

• Shop floor 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 full-face respirator, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, and non-permeable suit.
• Handling of Beryllium (Be)

Travel 

• Some travel may be required 5% or less.

Certification  

• Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certification 

Additional Requirements   

• Occasionally requires overtime to support start-up and commissioning activities and vacation.
• Rotating Shift is required, which may include working on weekends and holidays as needed.
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines.