Mechanical Design Engineer - Fuel Manufacturing

Oklo•Idaho Falls, ID

1d•$100,000 - $150,000•Remote

About The Position

As a Mechanical Design Engineer on Oklo’s fuel fabrication team, you’ll be responsible for developing design solutions that bring our advanced reactor technology to life. You’ll work on high-impact engineering challenges, designing manufacturing equipment components and mechanical systems that comprise Oklo’s fuel manufacturing facilities. Your work will span concept generation, CAD modeling, analysis coordination, documentation, and fabrication readiness – culminating in manufacturable designs that meet demanding performance and regulatory requirements. You’ll also work directly with vendors to produce those designs and eventually assist with assembling them at the fuel fabrication facility sites. This is a highly cross-functional role where technical excellence and a collaborative mindset are equally valued.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
5-10 years of experience, with 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 (e.g., SolidWorks), including part modeling, large assemblies, and detailed drawings
Experience with CAD version control using PDM/PLM tools (e.g., SolidWorks PDM, Teamcenter, Windchill)
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
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
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present engineering work
Comfortable working with external manufacturers and engineering consultants for fabrication and analysis support

Nice To Haves

Experience designing large structural weldments and mechanical joints
Background in designing components for high-integrity or safety-critical systems (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, defense, or heavy industry)
Proven ability to lead hardware projects through the full development cycle—from concept and design to testing and production
Knowledge of large scale fabrication techniques and transportation/handling of large components
Understanding of thermal-mechanical analysis principles, with experience designing for high-temperature environments
Basic knowledge of nuclear fission and radiation effects on materials and components
Exposure to simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS) and scripting languages (e.g., Python) is a plus

Responsibilities

Develop and own the design of equipment and mechanical components within Oklo’s fuel fabrication facilities
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
Coordinate closely with analysis teams to guide and interpret thermal, structural, fatigue, and safety analyses in support of design validation
Perform detailed manufacturability reviews, tolerance studies, and DFM/DFA assessments to prepare components for fabrication and assembly
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
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