Senior Pipe Stress Analysis Engineer

Job Summary

Kairos Power seeking a highly motivated Senior Pipe Stress Analysis Engineer to support medium to large-scale projects related to an advanced nuclear power plant and its associated scaled prototypes and engineering test plants. The successful candidate will perform mechanical and piping stress analyses and ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards. This role involves collaborating across engineering disciplines to optimize system layouts, select and design pipe supports, and assess performance under dynamic and high-temperature conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform stress analysis of piping, mechanical components, and equipment using classical methods and finite element analysis tools (ROHR2 preferred).
• Evaluate compliance of mechanical and piping systems with applicable design and construction codes and standards, including ASME BPVC Section III (Divisions 1 and 5), Section VIII (Divisions 1 and 2), and ASME B31.3.
• Analyze piping systems for flexibility, ensuring code compliance for stress and stress range limits.
• Conduct fatigue, corrosion, and high-temperature creep life assessments.
• Develop piping models under static and dynamic scenarios, incorporating physical properties such as contents, insulation, and operating conditions.
• Select and place pipe supports and restraints to maintain static equilibrium, control equipment nozzle loads, and accommodate thermal growth.
• Perform detailed design of pipe supports and restraints, and coordinate with vendors to ensure fabrication meets specifications.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines to optimize equipment layout, pipe routing, and access.
• Optimize equipment access and ensure proper load transfer where piping interfaces with equipment or structural supports.
• Develop and use hand calculations, spreadsheets, programs, or other tools (Python, Excel and/or MathCAD preferred) to determine or validate miscellaneous expansions, stresses, loads, and support designs
• Perform dynamic analyses to determine loads originating from sudden dynamic events such as valve closure, seismic and pressure and velocity variations
• Apply best practices in material selection for high-temperature applications.
• Create lists, requisitions, and review quotes to support the procurement of pipe support material
• Produce clear, well-organized reports and presentations documenting assumptions, methodologies, and results.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
• 10+ years of experience in chemical, power, or nuclear industry piping and/or component design is preferred
• Experience with high temperature pipe stress or vessel analysis experience is highly desired
• Experience with ASME BPVC Section III, and Section VIII applications
• Experience with ASME B31.3 Piping Code
• Experience using CAD tools, SolidWorks preferred
• Experience with Plant Design software platforms such as AVEVA E3D Design is preferred
• Experience with piping analysis tools such as ROHR2, CAESAR II, or AutoPIPE
• Experience in high temperature piping applications preferred
• Experience with Python, Excel, MathCAD, or similar programs preferred
• Experience in design and analysis of piping systems for oil/gas, chemical or nuclear industry

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of design and analysis of piping systems for oil/gas, chemical or nuclear industry
• Familiarity with standard pipe support design hardware such as constant and variable spring hangers, pipe guides, and snubbers
• Excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with a 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

Physical Demands

• Remaining in a stationary position for prolonged period
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Occasionally move about industrial plant sites to perform system walkdowns

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions

Travel

• Some travel may be required, up to 10%

Certification

Additional Requirements

• Requires occasional schedule flexibility
• Requires occasional extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

The salary range for this position is $140,600 to $165,400 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 maybe used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, ability and the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role. 

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