Hardware Test Technician

Thanks for your interest in Oklo! We are searching for a passionate, problem solving, and detail-oriented Hardware Test Technician to join our hardware test team.

The Hardware Test Technician on the test team will partner with test engineers and hardware owners to fabricate, assemble, instrument, commission, and execute tests. They will translate sketches/CAD and work orders into high-quality test rigs and hardware, keep the test facility safe, clean, and organized, and support operation of test rigs. They will spend time between fabrication, assembly, test setup, instrumentation, and data capture.

Work ranges from sourcing parts and coordinating with vendors to building fixtures, executing test campaigns, and documenting results.

This position will be full-time, on-site in Idaho Falls, .

• Fabricate, assemble, and iterate test hardware from sketches, CAD, and written direction
• Interpret drawings, tolerances, and build notes
• Prepare stock—cut, drill, tap, and fit parts using common shop tools; operate basic machine tools (saws, grinders, drills, manual mill/lathe)
• Perform light welding as skill allows (MIG/TIG preferred); assist experienced welders as needed
• Set up and execute tests (thermal-hydraulic, mechanical, tribology), including fixture build and instrumentation
• Install and calibrate sensors
• Collect, record, and organize test data; capture photos/notes; contribute to concise test summaries
• Troubleshoot build and test issues
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized shop (5S experience a plus); manage waste streams and enforce PPE and safety procedures
• Perform basic preventive maintenance on shop equipment; log issues and coordinate repairs
• Receive and inspect incoming parts; verify dimensions and finish against drawings; elevate nonconformance issues
• Manage inventory of consumables, fasteners, gases, and tooling; keep bins stocked and labeled
• Create and update build documentation: redlines, as-built notes, BOM updates, and simple work instructions
• Coordinate with engineers and vendors for quick-turn machining, welding, coatings, and other service

• High school diploma
• 3+ years hands-on mechanical fabrication/assembly or test operator experience or equivalent training/portfolio (trade school, military, etc.)
• Proficient with basic shop operations: cut/drill/tap/; confident using common hand/power tools safely
• Can read mechanical drawings and build notes; understands basic tolerances and fit; uses calipers/mics/gauges accurately
• Familiar with shop safety, PPE, and housekeeping (5S); aware of machine guarding and LOTO basics
• Comfortable setting up simple test rigs and recording data in spreadsheets; willing to learn instrumentation/DAQ
• Basic computer skills: spreadsheets/docs, file management; ability to use CAD viewers
• Organized and reliable: follow work instructions, document builds, track parts/kits
• Strong communication and teamwork; asks clarifying questions and closes loops
• Able to lift up to ~50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform shop/fab tasks with or without reasonable accommodation
• Willing to support occasional off-hours work or local field/onsite deployments as needed
• Valid driver’s license

• A&P license
• Associate degree in manufacturing/industrial tech, engineering technology, or similar
• Prior experience in an R&D test environment
• Sheet metal, tube bending, and fabrication (laser/waterjet, press brake, fixture design)
• Test & instrumentation depth: strain gauges, load cells, thermocouples, pressure transducers; NI/LabVIEW, Dewesoft, or equivalent DAQ
• Basic electrical/controls: wiring panels to schematics, relays/sensors, PLC familiarity, safe low-voltage practices
• Materials know-how: heat treat, coatings/plating, adhesives, composites, plastics
• Additive manufacturing (FDM/SLA/SLS) for quick-turn jigs and fixtures
• Quality systems exposure (ISO 9001/AS9100)
• Rigging & material handling: forklift/overhead crane experience; basic load calculation

We are looking for a Hardware Test Technician that is:

• Passionate about clean energy
• Passionate about making advanced fission a reality
• Willing and able to learn…