Physics Research Intern Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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.
Please note: This is a pipeline posting for anticipated Summer 2027 internship opportunities. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as internship positions are approved and hiring needs are identified.
Job Summary
Kairos Power is offering exciting opportunities for students to join our Nuclear Engineering organization for Summer 2027. This internship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of the analytical tools, computational methods, and engineering infrastructure supporting the safety case for the Hermes Reactor and future commercial reactor fleet.
Interns will work alongside experienced engineers and scientists on meaningful technical projects involving reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, structural materials, computational modeling, licensing, and nuclear safety analysis. Contributions from each intern play an important role in advancing Kairos Power's mission to deliver innovative nuclear technology that addresses climate change.
Areas with potential internship opportunities:

• Core Design (Radiation Transport and Shielding Design, Radiation Detection, Reactor Physics (Neutronics and Thermal Hydraulics), and Fuel Cycle Analysis)
• Thermal and Safety Methods - KP-SAM Code Development
• Fuel Performance - KP-BISON
• Source Term Modeling Development
• Structural Materials Analysis
• Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Methods and Analysis
• Nuclear Critical/Safety Analysis
• Licensing Engineering
• Overall Analysis support such as Piping and Layout Analysis and Thermal Design and Rapid Technology Development Analysis

General Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, verification, and validation of analytical tools, computational models, and engineering methods supporting reactor safety and performance analyses.
• Perform engineering analyses and computational modeling related to assigned technical focus areas such as reactor physics, radiation transport, thermal hydraulics, structural mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, or nuclear safety.
• Assist with research and technology development projects focused on improving reactor safety, performance, efficiency, and commercialization.
• Support verification and validation of engineering models through comparison with experimental data, benchmark problems, or reference solutions.
• Analyze engineering data and prepare technical documentation supporting engineering decisions and technology development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges and support project objectives.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering calculations, presentations, and project documentation to communicate technical results and recommendations.
• Participate in technical reviews, team meetings, and cross-functional discussions to broaden understanding of multidisciplinary reactor engineering.
• Engage in training, mentorship, and continuous learning opportunities to strengthen technical and professional development.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation and organized project records supporting knowledge transfer and engineering quality.
• Follow established engineering practices, safety procedures, and quality requirements throughout assigned work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current student enrolled in and pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with an emphasis in nuclear reactor applications.
• Demonstrated application of technical skills outside of the classroom through laboratory work, research, extracurricular projects, personal projects, or prior internship/work experience is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with engineering analysis, computational modeling, or scientific computing tools. Experience with Python, MATLAB, or other programming languages is preferred.
• Exposure to physics-based modeling through coursework or research involving neutronics, thermal hydraulics, structural mechanics, CFD, or related technical areas.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Self-starter, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with 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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or related engineering principles acquired through academic coursework, laboratory experience, research projects, or prior internship experience.
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals including reactor physics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, radiation transport, or related engineering disciplines applicable to assigned work.
• Ability to apply analytical thinking and engineering fundamentals to solve technical problems with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Familiarity with scientific computing, computational modeling, numerical methods, and engineering simulation tools.
• Basic understanding of verification and validation principles for engineering analyses and computational models.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret engineering and experimental data to support technical decision-making.
• Ability to develop clear, accurate, and organized engineering documentation including technical reports, engineering calculations, and presentations.
• Familiarity with programming or scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran, or similar engineering software tools is desirable.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, organized, and high-quality technical work.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn new engineering concepts, computational methods, software tools, and reactor technologies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced engineering and research environment.
• Commitment to safety, integrity, continuous learning, and professional development.
• Ability to proactively document, organize, and share technical knowledge with teammates and mentors.

Physical Conditions

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• 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
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

The hourly range for this position is $31-35 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.
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