Job Details

Chief of Staff to Chief Technology Officer

Alameda, CA

Overview

Kairos Power is a nuclear energy technology and engineering company focused on enabling the world's transition to clean energy. The company is developing the fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor (FHR) to provide safety, affordability, and flexible operation to support the growth of variable renewables.

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This strategic and hands-on role increases the effectiveness of the CTO and Technology Development leadership team. The CoS works across engineering and business functions to drive alignment, improve productivity, and streamline execution of strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate has experience operating in complex technical organizations, with success in executive-level support, program execution, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CTO and Technology Development leadership team
• Drive the successful execution of strategic initiatives in alignment with company objectives, ensuring follow-through and accountability across functions
• Support the CTO in preparing for and facilitating effective decision-making; represent the CTO in meetings as needed and synthesize information for timely action
• Manage and prioritize internal and external inquiries directed to the CTO, coordinating responses with the right stakeholders
• Partner with Organizational Development and People teams on leadership effectiveness, talent planning, and team health — serving as a bridge to ensure the CTO's priorities are reflected in people-related initiatives
• Serve as liaison between the CTO, engineering leaders, and cross-functional executives, ensuring clear communication on priorities, progress, and risks
• Oversee the rhythm of business for the CTO's organization, including leadership meetings, communications, operating reviews, and cross-functional checkpoints
• Lead or coordinate special projects on behalf of the CTO, often requiring cross-functional alignment and problem-solving across technical and non-technical teams
• Develop clear, concise executive communications, presentations, and reporting for internal and external stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and decision-making within the CTO organization, implementing scalable practices that increase efficiency and impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, or similar field; advanced degree (MBA, MS in Engineering/Technology Management preferred)
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in executive support, program management, or strategic operations, ideally in a technical or R&D-driven organization
• Proven experience organizing and directing multiple teams and working directly with senior executives
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver executive-level communications
• Excellent organization, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Background in engineering, technology development, or energy/manufacturing sectors preferred
• Demonstrated experience planning and leading strategic initiatives
• Effective, versatile and action-oriented, with strong project coordination and reporting skills focused on interdepartmental communication

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to connect organizational strategy to execution, ensuring technical and business priorities are aligned
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate complex issues and recommend data-driven decisions
• Skilled in leading cross-functional initiatives, ensuring alignment, accountability, and timely delivery
• Ability to design, implement, and scale processes that improve organizational efficiency and decision-making
• Exceptional relationship-building skills across technical and non-technical teams, with the ability to drive alignment without direct authority
• Adept at influencing decisions and navigating executive-level organizational dynamics
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complexity into clear executive-level communications
• Comfortable representing senior leadership with credibility and confidence in internal and external forums
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, exercising discretion, sound judgment, and integrity
• Knowledge of leadership effectiveness, team health, and talent planning practices to integrate people priorities into technical strategies
• Resilient in high-demand, fast-paced environments with shifting priorities
• Ability to identify and implement innovative solutions to organizational and operational challenges

Physical Demands

• 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 10 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Travel

• Travel required, up to 20%

Benefits

• 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 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.

Note: This position is located in a facility that handles information subject to export control restrictions by the Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. Authorization to access Part 810-controlled information is required. Foreign nationals may be restricted based on DOE licensing requirements.