Systems Engineering Manager
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 Systems Engineering Manager to lead cross-functional systems engineering and requirements integration efforts that are critical to the successful development and delivery of our next-generation reactor technology. Reporting to the Senior Director of Engineering Integration, this role blends hands-on technical leadership with team management responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, requirements management, and product lifecycle development. They will also bring proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, driving process improvements, aligning system engineering efforts with organizational goals.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership across system architecture, requirement development, and integration activities to ensure robust and traceable system designs
- Drive the development and continuous improvement of system engineering process, tools, and standards to ensure consistent and high-quality outcomes
- Coordinate the periodic review and update of design procedures, engineering processes, and technical guidelines to align with evolving project needs
- Partner closely with Project Engineering and Project Management teams to support system development throughout the full project lifecyclefrom concept and design through implementation, testing, and delivery
- Lead verification and validation planning, ensuring that requirements are testable and fully integrated into product development workflows
- Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration, ensuring system-level thinking is embedded across engineering disciplines
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related design discipline6+ years of relevant engineering experience, at least 3 years in technical leadership or managerial role involving :Functional analysis, trade studies, requirement decomposition and allocationDefining and documenting system interfaces and specifications, as well as developing and implementing structured engineering programs and processesLeading systems engineering teams and cross-functional working groupsDemonstrated success in managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects in a regulated environment such as nuclear, aerospace, defense, or medical devicesExperience with safety-critical or mission-critical systems with an understanding of graded approaches to quality and the implication on requirements is requiredExperience with configuration managementProficiency with MBSE tools and system architecture framework is preferredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, lifecycle models (e.g. V-model), and requirements management, and best practicesProficiency in requirements definition, analysis, and traceability tools such as DOORS, Jama ConnectDemonstrated ability to mentor and lead engineering teams, fostering collaboration across diverse technical disciplines.Skilled at translating complex technical challenges into actional engineering workstreams.Able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic engineering environment, managing shifting priorities and tight development timelines.Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.Passionate about promoting a culture of technical rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement.Ability to work with highly collaborative teamAbility to solve problems quickly and efficientlyPrioritizes and ensures safety of one self and othersAbility to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledgeAbility to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issuesPhysical Demands
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periodsEnvironmental Conditions
General office environmentAssessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assignedHigh-concentration, demanding and fast-pacedSafety and PPE
Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signsReporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditionsWearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, etc.Travel
Some travel may be required, up to 20%