Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Commercial Program Management

at Kairos Power

🏢 About Kairos Power

Kairos Power is pioneering next-generation nuclear technology with a mission to accelerate the global transition to clean energy and reduce environmental impact. Unlike traditional nuclear companies, they focus on innovative reactor designs that promise safer, more affordable, and scalable solutions. Working here means contributing directly to a critical climate technology at a pivotal growth stage.

About This Role

As Manager of Commercial Program Management, you'll lead the end-to-end execution of commercial initiatives, from proposal development through partnership program implementation. This role is pivotal because it bridges technical execution with business strategy, ensuring Kairos Power's innovative nuclear technology reaches commercial partners and markets effectively. You'll directly influence how the company scales its clean energy solutions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves coordinating with engineering teams on technical milestones for commercial initiatives, leading cross-functional meetings to align on partnership program goals, and refining proposal strategies for new opportunities. You might spend afternoons optimizing program frameworks or preparing executive updates that connect technical progress to business outcomes.

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🎯 Who Kairos Power Is Looking For

  • An engineer with an MBA or business master's who can translate technical nuclear concepts into commercial strategies and proposals
  • A program manager with 5+ years in complex, cross-functional environments (energy, tech, or infrastructure preferred), not just basic project tracking
  • A relationship-builder who has demonstrably influenced outcomes without direct authority, especially with external partners or customers
  • A creative problem-solver who can develop frameworks for first-of-a-kind commercial programs in advanced nuclear

📝 Tips for Applying to Kairos Power

1

Highlight specific experience managing commercial or partnership programs in deep-tech, energy, or regulated industries—not just internal IT projects

2

Quantify your impact on cross-functional alignment (e.g., 'reduced stakeholder review cycles by 30% by implementing X framework')

3

Tailor your resume to show progression from engineering/technical roles to commercial or program leadership, if applicable

4

Research Kairos Power's KP-FHR reactor technology and mention how your skills align with commercializing an innovative nuclear design

5

Use Kairos Power's mission-driven language ('clean energy transition,' 'environmental impact') in your application materials

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience leading end-to-end commercial program lifecycles, especially in technology-driven or energy sectors', 'Specific examples of building cross-functional alignment and influencing stakeholders in complex, regulated environments', 'How your engineering background combined with business acumen enables you to bridge technical and commercial teams', "Your passion for Kairos Power's mission and how you've contributed to clean energy or climate tech initiatives previously"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Kairos Power's KP-FHR (Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor) technology and its competitive advantages
  • → The company's recent partnerships, pilot projects, or DOE collaborations (check their newsroom)
  • → Challenges in commercializing advanced nuclear reactors (regulatory, supply chain, public perception)
  • → The leadership team's backgrounds (e.g., CEO Mike Laufer's vision) to understand company culture

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your approach to establishing program management frameworks for first-of-a-kind commercial initiatives in a regulated industry
2 How would you structure the proposal development process for a novel nuclear technology partnership?
3 Share an example where you influenced cross-functional teams without direct authority to meet commercial objectives
4 What metrics would you track to optimize a partnership program at a mission-driven company like Kairos Power?
5 How do you balance innovation and risk management in commercial program execution for advanced nuclear tech?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic program management experience (e.g., software PM) without linking it to commercial, energy, or hardware contexts
  • Failing to demonstrate how you've managed stakeholder alignment across engineering, business, and external partners
  • Overlooking the dual engineering/business qualification preference—not addressing both in your application

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Kairos Power!

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