Senior Mill-Turn Machinist

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Mill-Turn Machinist experienced with multitask machining operations, including dual spindle lathes or mill-turn machines. In this role, you will support precision machining operations of a wide range of component sizes requiring tight tolerances and complex geometry. The Senior Machinist will contribute to Kairos Power’s machining capabilities by operating a variety of multi-axis machines to create quality parts that meet all engineering specifications with exceptional craftsmanship. This position supports the execution of manufacturing processes that support the company’s Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor (FHR) program and broader technology initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Interprets blueprints along with 3D models to develop NC programs, design fixturing, plan machining sequences, and operate CNC machines to produce precision components.
• MultiAxis programming with industry Software for CAD/CAM such as MasterCam.
• Creates safe workholding methods and plans for work coordinates or tooling before any machine operations.
• Set up, operation and programing of a wide range of component sizes to deliver parts to meet internal deadlines or quality requirements.
• Operate shop-related machines and equipment such as band saws, hand tools, and measuring equipment when preparing material.
• Selects appropriate jaws or creates custom workholding while utilizing primarily hydraulic chucks on main and sub spindles in mill-turn machines.
• Monitor machine operations and interpret G and M codes to verify accuracy of machined workpiece to specifications; make adjustments as needed anywhere that can be improved.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to keep associated paperwork organized and prevent loss of stock or tooling.
• Identify and resolve machining challenges independently and assist others as needed.
• Executes rigging, material movement and setup of large (>1,000 lb) machined parts following established safety protocols.
• Performs precision machining operations on parts and components within multi-process assemblies, including components that have undergone prior processes such as welding, rolling, and forming, contributing to a continuous and complex manufacturing workflow.
• Maintains compliance with internal quality standards and proficiently utilizes job scheduling software to track production and shop floor operations.
• Completes and maintains accurate job travelers and first article inspection reports to ensure documentation compliance and traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, along with a 5+ years of relevant machining experience (including mill, lathe, 3-axis, 5-axis, and live-tooling); or an equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on experience.
• Experience in rigging, material movement and setup of large machined parts and supporting lift plans for movement of large material and parts.
• Experience in reading and interpreting engineering and assembly drawings.
• Experience with mill-turn environment in MasterCam a plus.
• Experience with live centers or steady rests on long parts a plus.
• Experience with Okuma Multus, DMG Mori NTX or Mazak Integrex
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms to assist with understanding part geometry and communicating with engineering teams is a plus.
• Proficient programming with CAM software (Mastercam preferred).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of CAM-CAD software and G-Code.
• Ability to adapt machining processes and operation between different jobs and complexities of parts, including ability to switch from small scale to large scale machinery.
• Proficient programming with CAM software.
• Understanding of basic and advanced GD&T such as: tolerancing, flatness, parallelism, thread tolerances, profile tolerances, perpendicularity.
• Knowledge and understanding of CNC cutting tool selections cutting tool surface footage, and chip load feed rates.
• Ability to work with shop mathematical concepts to practical situations.
• Ability to maintain and use precision measuring tools such as: Vernier Calipers, Micrometers, Height gages, Gauge Pins, Gauge Blocks, Thread Gauges, etc.
• Willingness to provide mentorship and technical guidance to machinists, fostering skill development, continuous improvement, and adherence to best practices in machining operations preferred, but not required.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to utilize computers and company-specific software, including timekeeping tools, training platforms, and work order systems to perform daily responsibilities effectively.
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of organization.
• 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

• 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
• Elevated 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, etc.

Certification

• Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certification
• Capable of obtaining crane and rigging certification

Additional Requirements

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

The hourly range for this position is $49 to $58 for employees working onsite at our locations in Richmond, CA and 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.

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