Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineering Intern - Summer 2026 at Kairos Power

Alameda, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 Apr, 26

Salary

34.0

Posted On

27 Jan, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Computational Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer, Validation, Modeling, Simulation, Automation, Data Analysis, Collaboration, Technical Documentation, Problem Solving, CAD Modeling, Nuclear Reactor Systems, Scripting, Natural Convection, Radiation, Benchmarking

Industry

Utilities

Description

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 a highly motivated, multi-skilled intern with experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, heat transfer and validation. This role will be part of the Modeling and Simulation CFD team which supports methodology development, engineering design, and testing programs for the KP-FHR and associated components through thermal-hydraulic analysis, with a specialization in CFD. This role will perform CFD validation benchmarking to further develop modeling methodologies. This will include building CFD models of test facilities, running and post processing the simulations for test conditions, organization and performing test data analysis, performing benchmark comparisons, and supporting the development and maturation of CFD methodologies. The position requires a strong self-starting mentality and the ability to develop and deploy novel solutions in support of the company mission. Responsibilities Develop CFD models of high-temperature test systems, modeling heat transfer, natural convection, radiation, melting and fluid flow. Perform validation of CFD with in-house produced experiment data. Collaborate with test and facility operations engineers in the production and post processing of test data to be used for CFD model validation. Mature, document and recommend improvements to CFD modeling methodologies based on validation results. Develop and maintain automation scripts that take inputs from various sources, perform post-processing analyses of input data, and generate applicable report files. Present validation results and CFD modeling methodology findings through technical documents and oral presentations. Collaborate with and communicate results to various teams, including Reactor Systems Design, Core Design, CFD, Safety Analysis, and Testing teams. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Currently enrolled in a BS, MS, or PhD program in Nuclear, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent Experience using analytical and CFD tools to perform fluid and conjugate heat transfer analyses 2+ years using commercial CFD tools; experience with Siemens STAR-CCM+ is preferred Experience with Solidworks or STAR-CCM+ 3D CAD is preferred Familiarity with high temperature simulations modeling natural convection and radiation is preferred Programming/scripting experience for automation and post-processing Coursework or experience in heat transfer and fluid mechanics Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Proficiency with CAD modeling Familiarity with verification, validation and uncertainty quantification methods Excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills Understanding of nuclear reactor systems Ability to work with highly collaborative teams 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 Remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods Communicating with others to exchange information Environmental Conditions General office environment 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 Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, etc. The hourly range for this position is $30-34 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.• #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

Responsibilities

The intern will develop CFD models of high-temperature test systems and perform validation of CFD with in-house produced experiment data. They will also collaborate with engineers and document improvements to CFD modeling methodologies.