Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Reactor Module

Oklo•Santa Clara, CA

2h•Remote

About The Position

As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Oklo, you will play a central role in designing the critical hardware that enables our advanced fast reactors to operate safely and reliably. This includes technical ownership of large, multi-component weldments and assemblies that comprise the reactor module within our Aurora powerhouses—ranging from the reactor vessel to various internal support structures and primary coolant flow elements. You will be responsible for advancing these components from conceptual design through detailed design and fabrication readiness, ensuring that every element is engineered for performance, manufacturability, industrial Code compliance, and integration into Oklo’s broader reactor system. Your work will require deep engagement with cross-functional teams including structural analysts, systems engineers, materials experts, and external design and fabrication partners. This is a high-responsibility role at the heart of our flagship product. Success in this position requires producing quality mechanical solutions in a fast-paced, startup environment where technical excellence and a collaborative mindset are equally valued.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
8+ 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., Siemens NX, CATIA, SolidWorks), including part modeling, large assemblies, and detailed drawings
Experience with design control using PDM/PLM tools (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, SolidWorks PDM, Windchill)
Robust 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

Nice To Haves

Experience designing large structural weldments and mechanical joints
Familiarity with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, particularly Sections III or VIII
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
Comfortable working with external manufacturers and engineering consultants for fabrication and analysis support
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

Responsibilities

Develop and own the design of complex mechanical components and subsystems within the reactor module
Collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering teams to define design and functional requirements, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry codes standards (e.g., ASME BPVC)
Use CAD tools to translate functional requirements into robust designs that meet structural, thermal, and integration 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