Design for Manufacturability Engineer - Kairos Power

Job Summary 

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Engineer to ensure the manufacturability of prototypes, R&D test equipment, process hardware and other high-quality parts. The Manufacturing Engineer works closely with engineering teams on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) best practices with particular emphasis on designs that are easy and cost effective to manufacture. This person serves as a key interface between Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations and provides expertise in areas such as machining, fabrication, tooling, process planning, mechanical assembly, welding, additive manufacturing, etc. In this role, you will contribute to manufacturing and technology development programs for Kairos Power’s FHR.

Responsibilities 

• Partner with the engineering team, manufacturing leaders, and other manufacturing engineers on manufacturability concepts and materials during the design phase to define and eliminate manufacturing risks and ensure the manufacturability of new designs
• Provide manufacturing review of engineering models and drawings to help ensure consistency between requirements and manufacturing capability
• Identify manufacturing risks on new parts and assemblies to minimize or eliminate them using your manufacturing expertise and experience
• Provide and be accountable for manufacturing sign-off on engineering drawings
• Identify manufacturing non-conformances, communicate lessons learned and implement corrective actions
• Apply knowledge of product design, machining, fabrication, assembly, tooling and materials to identify, select and install machines and processes to deliver on our internal manufacturing needs
• Program tool paths, operate machines and deliver parts when required to meet internal deadlines or quality requirements
• Work with environmental, health and safety teams to develop safety programs and processes to ensure the safety of personnel
• Identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Certificate or associate degree required, engineering degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering (or similar field) preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in prototyping, machining and/or manufacturing
• Deep understanding of Mechanical Part / Assembly manufacturing and Quality management
• Expert in reading and interpreting engineering and assembly drawings and general industry standards like GD&T
• Hands-on experience with CAD tools (Solidworks preferred), CAM software (Mastercam preferred), and DFM tools leading to the practical analysis and solution providers for Mechanical Parts/Assembly
• Expert in Machining (mill, lathe, router, 3-axis, 5-axis, etc.)
• Design experience on mechanical parts and assembly
• Mechanical assembly process development and quality management
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Experience with fabrication and welding
• Experience working with stainless steel, piping, pressure vessels and graphite
• Previous experience working with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel code preferred 
• Ability to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issues
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team on multiple tasks and projects with various stakeholders
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others

Physical Conditions

• 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 

Additional Requirements 

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