Quality Control Technician (Machining)

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 skilled, self-directed Quality Control Technician to perform complex inspections of precision-machined parts, fabricated components, and assemblies supporting nuclear technology development and manufacturing. This role requires advanced dimensional metrology expertise, strong manufacturing knowledge, and sound judgment when verifying components whose conformance is critical to safety, performance, and nuclear quality requirements. The successful candidate will independently plan and execute inspections, maintain consistently high productivity, and produce accurate, traceable inspection records. They will take ownership of assigned work, anticipate and resolve inspection challenges, and communicate risks early. As a senior technical contributor, this individual will support inspection planning, mentor other inspectors, and work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to improve inspection effectiveness while maintaining rigorous acceptance standards. Responsibilities • Independently plan, prioritize, and execute complex dimensional inspections, taking ownership from initial drawing review through completion of inspection records and communication of results. • Inspect precision-machined parts, fabricated components, and assemblies for dimensional, geometric, and visual conformance to approved drawings, specifications, and inspection plans. • Develop and maintain inspection plans, measurement strategies, and reports that clearly identify acceptance criteria, inspection methods, and required records. • Interpret complex GD&T requirements, establish appropriate datum reference frames, and select measurement methods suited to feature tolerances, part geometry, and required accuracy. • Develop, validate, and execute inspection programs using applicable equipment, such as CMMs, portable measurement arms, and laser trackers. • Align 3D CAD models and measurement data to specified drawing datums, ensuring alignment methods accurately represent design requirements. • Evaluate fixturing, accessibility, temperature, part condition, and measurement uncertainty when establishing inspection methods and assessing results. • Support development and validation of in-machine probing routines for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining centers, including correlation with independent inspection methods where required. • Partner with manufacturing to validate setups, evaluate process capability, and troubleshoot dimensional discrepancies. • Perform inspections supporting nuclear quality requirements with disciplined adherence to approved procedures, required hold points, traceability, and documentation controls. • Verify drawing and model revisions, component identification, and measurement equipment calibration status before performing inspections. • Recognize ambiguous requirements, questionable measurements, and potential nonconformances; pause affected inspection or acceptance activities and escalate for resolution. • Document nonconformances objectively and preserve relevant measurement data. Verify acceptance only within assigned authority and after required dispositions or approvals are complete. • Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to investigate root causes, implement corrective actions, and verify their effectiveness. • Provide design-for-inspectability feedback during design reviews, including recommendations on datum schemes, tolerances, inspection access, and measurement methods. • Maintain high inspection throughput through effective preparation, programming, sequencing, and coordination. Communicate workload constraints and schedule risks early. • Improve inspection efficiency by developing repeatable methods, reusable programs, and appropriate gauging or fixtures while preserving measurement reliability. • Serve as a technical resource and mentor for other inspectors, supporting training, troubleshooting, and consistency in inspection practices. • Support internal, customer, and external audits by providing complete inspection records and clearly explaining inspection methods and results. • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment and protect inspection equipment from damage or misuse. • Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications • High school diploma or GED required; technical training, apprenticeship; an associate’s degree in metrology, manufacturing, machining, or a related field preferred. • Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in dimensional inspection, precision manufacturing quality control, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience. • Demonstrated experience independently completing complex inspections and producing complete, accurate inspection documentation with minimal supervision. • Advanced proficiency interpreting engineering drawings and applying GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5. • Proficiency with precision measurement instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, and surface plates. • Demonstrated proficiency programming and operating at least one advanced dimensional measurement system, such as a CMM, portable measurement arm, or laser tracker. • Experience with dimensional inspection software such as Verisurf, PolyWorks, PC-DMIS, or comparable software. Experience with Romer arms and laser trackers preferred. • Strong working knowledge of machining processes, fixturing, and manufacturing variation. • Experience inspecting complex geometries, tight-tolerance features, large components, or assemblies with challenging datum relationships. • Experience working within a controlled quality management system with formal inspection, traceability, and nonconformance requirements. • Experience inspecting nuclear components or other high-consequence hardware in aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding manufacturing environments strongly preferred. • Experience with in-machine probing software and inspection routines for multiaxis machining centers preferred. • Experience with ERP systems, digital inspection records, first article inspection reports, and audit support preferred. • Relevant certification, such as ASQ Certified Quality Inspector, Certified Quality Technician, or GD&T certification, preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • Ability to develop inspection plans and select appropriate measurement methods based on drawing requirements, feature geometry, tolerances, accessibility, and required accuracy. • Working knowledge of configuration and revision control practices for drawings, models, inspection programs, and inspection records. • Ability to verify the suitability and calibration status of measurement equipment and recognize conditions that may affect measurement validity. • Advanced proficiency interpreting engineering drawings and applying GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5. • Proficiency with precision measurement instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, and surface plates. • Ability to organize work, identify next steps, resolve routine obstacles, and follow assignments through to completion with minimal direction. • Ability to maintain a high volume of accurate, complete inspection work through preparation, efficient measurement strategies, and disciplined time management. • Ability to recognize when results require additional verification, when a method is unsuitable, and when work must pause for technical clarification or quality review. • Strong understanding of datum establishment, alignment strategies, measurement uncertainty, repeatability, reproducibility, and the limitations of inspection equipment. • Ability to raise concerns and maintain acceptance standards under schedule pressure, with a clear understanding of personal qualification and approval limits. • Ability to distinguish component variation from setup, programming, alignment, or measurement errors and develop practical approaches to resolve discrepancies. • Ability to produce inspection records that clearly connect the inspected component, applicable requirements, measurement results, equipment used, and acceptance status. • Ability to explain technical findings clearly to inspectors, machinists, engineers, and leadership and communicate risks early enough to support action. • Ability to mentor others, share knowledge, and improve inspection consistency without requiring formal supervisory authority. • Ability to identify and implement practical improvements that reduce inspection time, rework, and avoidable delays. • Understanding of ISO 9001 quality management principles and the ability to learn and apply applicable nuclear quality program requirements. • Working knowledge of statistical process control, process capability, and measurement system analysis. • Strong attention to detail, organization, and commitment to safety. Physical Demands • Remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods. • Move throughout manufacturing areas and between worksites to perform inspections. • Adjust, move, transport, install, position, or remove objects weighing up to 50 pounds. • Communicate with others to exchange information. • Use hand tools and precision measurement equipment. • Assemble and adjust inspection fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams. • Operate motor vehicles, machinery, or material-handling equipment as assigned and authorized. • Ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, and articulated boom lifts as required. • Set up and move temporary access equipment as trained and authorized. • Work in various positions and access tight or confined areas as required by assigned inspections. Environmental Conditions • Manufacturing environments with machinery and elevated noise levels. • Possible exposure to chemical fumes or odors. • General office and metrology laboratory environments. • High or low temperatures. • Outdoor conditions, including precipitation and wind. • Small or enclosed spaces. • Elevated work locations. • Work requiring sustained concentration, careful observation, and attention to detail in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. Safety and PPE • Follow all applicable safety procedures and protocols. • Use task-appropriate PPE, including eye protection, face shields, gloves, hearing protection, safety footwear, and other PPE as required. • Handle, clean, and dispose of hazardous materials in accordance with training and approved procedures. • Report equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, and safety concerns immediately. • Read and understand hazard warnings and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Travel • Some travel may be required, approximately 10%. Certification • Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certifications as required for assigned duties. • Capable of completing required company inspection qualifications and nuclear quality program training. • Relevant certification, such as ASQ Certified Quality Inspector, Certified Quality Technician, or GD&T certification, preferred but not required. Additional Requirements • Occasional overtime, weekend work, and schedule flexibility. • Occasional nonstandard workweek hours. • Occasional second-shift assignments beginning at 4:30 p.m. local time. • Occasional ext…