Chemical and Materials Engineering Internship - Summer 2027

Job Summary

Kairos Power is offering exciting opportunities for students to join various Engineering teams within the Salt Chemistry, Fuels, and Materials organizations for Summer 2027. This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on engineering experience while contributing to the development of innovative technologies that support Kairos Power's mission to deliver advanced nuclear energy solutions that address climate change.

Interns will work alongside experienced engineers and scientists on meaningful technical projects, gaining exposure to research and development, laboratory operations, process engineering, manufacturing technologies, and multidisciplinary engineering collaboration.

Areas with potential internship opportunities:

• Chemical Test Engineering
• Materials Test Engineering
• Characterization Engineering
• Process Design Engineering
• Process Development Engineering
• Process Safety & Operations Engineering

General Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering teams on technical projects, research, and technology development initiatives.
• Apply engineering principles and technical skills in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments.
• Assist with experimental design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and documentation.
• Contribute to process design, process development, process safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the development, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies, equipment, and engineering solutions.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, engineering records, and project documentation to ensure reproducibility and compliance with applicable procedures.
• Participate in team meetings, technical reviews, and cross-functional collaborations to broaden understanding of multidisciplinary engineering challenges.
• Engage in training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to strengthen technical and professional development.
• Prepare and deliver presentations summarizing project objectives, technical work, and results to peers, mentors, and leadership at the conclusion of the internship.
• Assist with troubleshooting, maintenance, calibration, or improvement of laboratory and testing equipment under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled and pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated application of technical skills outside of the classroom through laboratory work, research, extracurricular projects, personal projects, or prior internship/work experience is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with engineering software such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, Python, or similar technical tools.
• Understanding of basic engineering principles and practices.
• Experience with experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Self-starter with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• 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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of engineering principles acquired through academic coursework, laboratory experience, research projects, or prior internship experience.
• Ability to apply analytical thinking and engineering fundamentals to solve technical problems with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Familiarity with scientific methods, experimental design, data collection, and interpretation of engineering results.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and communicate technical information through reports, presentations, and documentation.
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety practices, engineering quality principles, and safe work procedures.
• Familiarity with engineering software or programming tools such as MATLAB, Python, AutoCAD, Excel, or similar technical applications.
• Ability to learn new engineering concepts, laboratory techniques, software tools, and equipment quickly.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, organized, and high-quality work.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to seek feedback while working both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced research and development environment.
• Commitment to safety, integrity, continuous learning, and professional development.
• Ability to proactively document, organize, and transfer technical knowledge with teammates and mentors.

Physical Conditions 

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• 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
• Handling of Beryllium (Be)

The hourly range for this position is $28-$32 for employees working onsite at our Alameda, CA headquarters. The range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate of candidates hired in California.  Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role.