engineering
Posted Apr 10Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Reactor Module
at Oklo
Remote
Responsibilities
- Develop and own the design of complex mechanical components and subsystems within the reactor module
- Collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering teams to define design and functional requirements, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry codes standards (e.g., ASME BPVC)
- Conduct and participate in design reviews, providing and receiving technical feedback
- Generate and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and bills of materials using controlled processes in PDM/PLM systems
- Coordinate closely with analysis teams to guide and interpret thermal, structural, fatigue, and safety analyses in support of design validation
- Perform detailed manufacturability reviews, tolerance studies, and DFM/DFA assessments to prepare components for fabrication and assembly
- Create and maintain clear, well-written engineering documentation, including design rationales, functional requirements, reviews of historical designs, and detailed explanations of system architecture and performance
- Manage engagements with consultants and engineering firms to support high-fidelity analysis, ASME code compliance, and design maturity advancement
Requirements
- Use CAD tools to translate functional
- Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
- experience in mechanical or structural design within sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, or industrial equipment
- Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., Siemens NX, CATIA, SolidWorks), including part modeling, large assemblies, and detailed drawings •
- Experience with design control using PDM/PLM tools (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, SolidWorks PDM, Windchill)
- Robust understanding of mechanical design principles, including DFM (Design for Manufacturability), DFA (Design for Assembly), and tolerance stack-up analysis
- Ability to interpret and produce engineering drawings that apply GD&T in line with ASME Y14.5 or similar standards
- Working knowledge of material selection (particularly metals), manufacturing methods, and fabrication techniques
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate on cross-functional teams, integrating feedback from analysis, manufacturing, and systems engineering
- Experience designing large structural weldments and mechanical joints
- Familiarity with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, particularly Sections III or VIII
- Background in designing components for high-integrity or safety-critical systems (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, defense, or heavy industry)
- Proven ability to lead hardware projects through the full development cycle—from concept and design to testing and production
- Knowledge of large scale fabrication techniques and transportation/handling of large components
- Understanding of thermal-mechanical analysis principles, with
- Basic knowledge of nuclear fission and radiation effects on materials and components
- You bring an enthusiasm to the team, and imbue a sense of passion that goes beyond clocking in and clocking out.
- For the first two weeks of onboarding, employees are required to be in person at headquarters in Santa Clara, CA.
Experience
- 8+ years of industry
Benefits
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present engineering work Bonus
- This isn’t about a fake or arbitrary “pieces of flair” mentality or lack of work-life balance! It is about being a part of the vision and feeling a part of reaching team goals.
- About Oklo compensation:
- Salary: $125,00-$165,000
- Oklo offers flexible time off, equity, competitive pay, 401k, health insurance, FSA, flexible work hours, and other benefits.
Contact
- All legitimate communications from our recruiting team— including application updates, interview requests, and job offers — will come exclusively from an @oklo.com email.
Additional details
- Level (Engineer III/Senior) will be determined by experience.
- As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Oklo, you will play a central role in designing the critical hardware that enables our advanced fast reactors to operate safely and reliably.
- This includes technical ownership of large, multi-component weldments and assemblies that comprise the reactor module within our Aurora powerhouses—ranging from the reactor vessel to various internal support structures and primary coolant flow elements.
- You will be responsible for advancing these components from conceptual design through detailed design and fabrication readiness, ensuring that every element is engineered for performance, manufacturability, industrial Code compliance, and integration into Oklo’s broader reactor system.
- Your work will require deep engagement with cross-functional teams including structural analysts, systems engineers, materials experts, and external design and fabrication partners.
- This is a high-responsibility role at the heart of our flagship product.
- Success in this position requires producing quality mechanical solutions in a fast-paced, startup environment where technical excellence and a collaborative mindset are equally valued.
- requirements into robust designs that meet structural, thermal, and integration constraints
- Rigorously evaluate mechanical designs to identify deficiencies and proactively propose and implement solutions
- Work closely with fabrication partners to refine designs for cost-effective and practical production