Mechanical Designer - Fuel Manufacturing

Mechanical Designer - Fuel Manufacturing

Join to apply for the Mechanical Designer - Fuel Manufacturing role at Oklo Inc

Thanks for your interest in Oklo! We are searching for a Mechanical Designer to join our engineering team.

As a Mechanical Designer on Oklo's Fuel Fabrication team, you'll be responsible for transforming engineering concepts into precise, manufacturable designs. You'll work on high-impact challenges, designing manufacturing equipment components and mechanical systems that comprise Oklo's fuel manufacturing facilities. You'll be a specialist in CAD modeling, analysis coordination, documentation, fabrication readiness, and will span concept generation – culminating in manufacturable designs that meet demanding performance and regulatory requirements.

You'll ensure that every component and assembly is optimized for production and compliance with quality and safety standards. You'll collaborate closely with engineers, suppliers, and fabricators to turn technical ideas into reality. This role will partner very closely with the Mechanical Design Engineer as well.

This is a highly cross‑functional role where technical excellence and a collaborative mindset are equally valued.

• Develop and own the design of equipment and mechanical components within Oklo's fuel fabrication facilities
• Translate ideas into manufacturable components and assemblies
• Support prototype builds, providing design assistance and implementing design feedback
• 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 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
• Work closely with the Mechanical Design Engineer to translate functional and analytical requirements into physical designs

We are looking for a Mechanical Designer that is:

• 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
• An 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
• An excellent writer who can write in a modern active voice, so make your cover letter compelling and write it well!
• Able to communicate technical content and results verbally

• 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…