Senior Mechanical Designer - Fuel Recycling

The role

The Mechanical Designer will develop detailed mechanical designs, 3D CAD models, and fabrication drawings for nuclear fuel recycling technology. This role involves translating engineering concepts into manufacturable hardware for equipment operating in high-temperature and high-radiation environments.

What you will do

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Produce fabrication, assembly, weldment, machining, and installation drawings.
• Translate engineering concepts into manufacturable mechanical designs.
• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Collaborate with engineers, machinists, welders, and fabrication vendors.
• Develop custom mechanical assemblies, fixtures, tooling, furnace components, and vessels.
• Support prototype fabrication by responding to shop questions and revising drawings.
• Maintain engineering documentation including bills of materials and controlled CAD files.
• Participate in design reviews.
• Assist with prototype assembly and equipment integration.

Required qualifications

• Associate's degree, technical certification, or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Drafting, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience
• 5+ years of experience developing detailed mechanical designs and fabrication drawings.
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, including complex assemblies, weldments, sheet metal, and drawing creation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and mechanical assembly.
• Experience creating fabrication drawings with appropriate GD&T, tolerancing, bills of materials, and manufacturing notes.
• Demonstrated experience applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Ability to interpret engineering requirements and produce accurate, complete mechanical documentation.

Nice to have

• Experience designing equipment for radiological or nuclear facilities.
• Experience designing gloveboxes, hot cells, shielded equipment, or remote handling systems.
• Experience designing high-temperature process equipment, including furnaces or thermal processing systems operating above 500 °C.
• Experience with molten salt systems, vacuum systems, or corrosive chemical processing equipment.
• Experience producing large weldments, pressure-containing assemblies, or custom process vessels.
• Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and industrial drafting best practices.
• Experience using PDM/PLM systems for CAD and document management.
• Experience supporting rapid prototyping and iterative hardware development.
• Experience collaborating directly with machine shops, fabrication vendors, and equipment installers.
• Experience in commercial or governmental nuclear projects.

Benefits

• Flexible time off
• Equity
• Bonuses
• Competitive pay
• 401(k)
• Health insurance with employer contribution
• HSA
• FSA
• Flexible work hours
• Wellness credits

Before you apply

• Only applicants who meet the definition of a U.S. person under applicable laws may be eligible.
• First two weeks of onboarding require being in person at headquarters in Santa Clara, CA.
• Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a drug screening.

About the company

Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy.