Mechanical Design Engineer - Fuel Manufacturing

Mechanical Design Engineer - Fuel Manufacturing

We are searching for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our engineering team at Oklo Inc.

As a Mechanical Design Engineer on Oklo's Fuel Fabrication team, you’ll be responsible for engineering design solutions that bring our advanced reactor technology to life. You’ll focus on technical validation, analysis, and performance of designs, working on high‑impact technical challenges, designing manufacturing equipment components and mechanical systems for Oklo’s fuel manufacturing facilities. Your work will span concept generation, CAD modeling, analysis coordination, documentation, and fabrication readiness to produce manufacturable designs that meet rigorous performance and regulatory requirements.

You’ll also work directly with vendors to produce those designs and eventually assist with assembling them at the fuel fabrication facility sites, partnering closely with the Mechanical Designer as well.

• Coordinate closely with analysis teams to lead and interpret thermal, structural, fatigue, and safety analyses in support of design validation
• Oversee prototype builds and testing, interpreting data to drive design improvements
• Develop engineering documentation (design reports, calculations, specifications, test plans, and validation records)
• Develop and own the design of equipment and mechanical components within Oklo's fuel fabrication facilities
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with other engineering teams to define design and functional requirements, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry standards
• Use CAD tools to translate functional requirements into robust designs that meet facility requirements (e.g., operating requirements and space constraints)
• Conduct and participate in design reviews, providing and receiving technical feedback
• Rigorously evaluate mechanical designs to identify deficiencies and proactively propose and implement solutions
• Generate and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and bills of materials using controlled processes in PDM/PLM systems
• 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
• Work closely with fabrication partners to refine designs for cost‑effective and practical production
• Manage engagements with consultants and engineering firms to support high‑fidelity analysis, ASME code compliance, and design maturity advancement
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Oklo's mechanical design processes, tools, and standards through feedback and development of best practices

• Competent in 3D modeling software and has a solid understanding of mechanical design principals
• An experienced team player who can work effectively across both internal resources and external suppliers
• Passionate about clean energy
• Optimist at heart
• Passionate about making advanced fission a reality
• Willing and able to learn quickly
• Willing to think differently and do things in new ways
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced, highly iterative startup environment
• Excited to think creatively, critically, and reflectively about the problems they are solving while not leaning only on what has been done before
• Willing to propose novel and creative solutions to technical problems
• Excellent writer who can write in a modern active voice
• Able to communicate technical content and results verbally

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• 5–10 years of work experience required, 4+ years of industry 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, Solid Works), including part modeling, large assemblies, and detailed drawings
• Experience with CAD version control using PDM/PLM tools (e.g., Solid Works PDM, Teamcenter,…