Cell Design Engineer Santa Clara, CA or Remote

We are searching for a Hot Cell Design Engineer to join our dynamic fuel recycling engineering group, designing and deploying a modern nuclear fuel recycling facility.

As a Hot Cell Design Engineer at Oklo, you will help shape a highly specialized, remotely operable hot cell environment that enables the safe, efficient processing of used nuclear fuel (UNF).

You’ll work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, nuclear, chemical, and controls engineers to integrate critical systems such as shielding, containment, and remote operations into an industrial‑scale recycling facility.

• Lead or support the mechanical and systems design of radiological hot cells used in UNF recycling, including shielding, ventilation, confinement, and remote handling systems
• Define equipment and material layouts, including material transfer pathways and maintenance access strategies
• Work with radiation modeling and safety analysis specialists to develop shielding requirements and establish design constraints
• Integrate robotic and remote handling technologies (e.g., manipulators, cameras, cranes, etc.) into cell design
• Contribute to the structural evaluation of confinement systems, ensuring compliance with fire protection, external hazard, and natural phenomena hazard requirements
• Collaborate with structural, HVAC, instrumentation, and process engineers to ensure seamless integration across all hot cell systems
• Participate in Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (FMEA), hazard analyses, and radiological safety assessments
• Contribute to design reviews, procurement specifications, and installation and commissioning plans
• Support prototyping, testing, and commissioning of hot cell subsystems

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in radiological facility design, glovebox or hot cell engineering, or radiological material handling
• Strong working knowledge of remote handling systems, robotics, or manipulator technologies
• Understanding of radiation shielding principles, criticality safety, and radiological protection standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate on cross‑functional teams and integrate feedback from engineering, licensing, and safety
• Strong systems engineering intuition and problem‑solving capabilities

• Experience with hot cells used in nuclear fuel cycle facilities, isotope production, or defense applications
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., NX, Solid Works, Inventor) and engineering drawing standards
• Knowledge of NRC and/or DOE regulatory requirements and nuclear standards for nuclear facilities
• Prior hands‑on experience with mockups, prototyping, or commissioning of radiological systems
• Experience with vendor coordination, A&E firms, and project management

• A startup person:
  You aren’t driven by titles or hierarchy, prefer efficiency to excess process, and thrive in a fast‑paced team
• Motivated self‑driven with enthusiasm for the vision and team goals
• A team‑player who values collaboration and shared ownership
• An excellent communicator who is technically competent and clear in writing and speaking
• Creative, able to invent solutions when clear paths or solutions are not available
• Detail‑oriented, paying attention to grammar, spelling, and quality
• Travel willingness: able to travel to headquarters or other designated locations twice a quarter annually; must be present in person at headquarters during first two weeks of onboarding

Flexible time off, equity, competitive pay, 401k, health insurance, FSA, flexible work hours, and other benefits.

May fall outside the provided range and will be dependent on applicant experience.

Remote employees may require travel to headquarters twice a quarter annually and in‑person attendance during initial onboarding.