Mechanical Design Engineer - Fuel Manufacturing

Description

• Develop engineering documentation (design reports, calculations, specifications, test plans, and validation records).
• Use CAD tools to translate functional requirements into robust designs that meet facility requirements (e.g., operating requirements and space constraints)
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Oklo's mechanical design processes, tools, and standards through feedback and development of best practices
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering teams to define design and functional requirements, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry standards
• Perform detailed manufacturability reviews, tolerance studies, and DFM/DFA assessments to prepare components for fabrication and assembly
• Oversee prototype builds and testing, interpreting data to drive design improvements
• Generate and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and bills of materials using controlled processes in PDM/PLM systems
• 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
• 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
• Coordinate closely with analysis teams to lead and interpret thermal, structural, fatigue, and safety analyses in support of design validation
• Develop and own the design of equipment and mechanical components within Oklo's fuel fabrication facilities
• Conduct and participate in design reviews, providing and receiving technical feedback

Requirements

• Comfortable in a fast-paced, highly iterative startup environment
• Solid 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
• An experienced team player who can work effectively across both internal resources and external suppliers
• An excellent writer who can write in a modern active voice, so make your cover letter compelling and write it well!
• Willing to propose novel and creative solutions to technical problems
• Bachelor's or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Exposure to simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS) and scripting languages (e.g., Python) is a plus
• Understanding of thermal-mechanical analysis principles, with experience designing for high-temperature environments
• Experience designing large structural weldments and mechanical joints
• Background in designing and engineering components for high-integrity or safety-critical systems (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, defense, or heavy industry)
• Comfortable working with external manufacturers and engineering consultants for fabrication and analysis support
• 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
• Knowledge of large scale fabrication techniques and transportation/handling of large components
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., Siemens NX, CATIA, SolidWorks), including part modeling, large assemblies, and detailed drawings
• Willing and able to learn quickly
• Experience with CAD version control using PDM/PLM tools (e.g., SolidWorks PDM, Teamcenter, Windchill)
• Able to communicate technical content and results verbally
• 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
• Basic knowledge of nuclear fission and radiation effects on materials and components
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present engineering work
• Competent in 3D modeling software and has a solid understanding of mechanical design principals
• Proven ability to lead hardware projects through the full development cycle—from concept and design to testing and production

Benefits

• Local to Idaho Falls, ID is a bonus, but not required

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance