Mechanical Analyst Engineer - Process Automation

Thanks for your interest in Oklo!  We are searching for a Mechanical Analyst -- FEA Automation & Tool Development to join our engineering team.

Position Description:

Specific responsibilities may include:

• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural performance, stress, fatigue, and failure modes

• Automate analysis workflows and engineering processes using scripting and software tools (Python preferred)

• Develop clear, concise, and technically sound documentation of engineering methodologies, analysis results, and design justifications

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, quality, and test engineering to drive design decisions and ensure robust product development

• Support the creation and refinement of product requirements

• Plan and execute validation and verification activities, including designing and overseeing physical test programs to validate engineering assumptions and design requirements

• Interpret and apply engineering standards and codes relevant to product design and analysis

Competencies:

• Passionate about advancing clean energy technologies, with a strong belief in the potential of next-generation fission

• Well-versed in structural mechanics, design principles, and analytical methods—across both simulation and practical applications

• Eager to contribute to a high-performing engineering team, open to feedback, and committed to continuous technical growth

• Quick to learn and unafraid to question assumptions—ready to explore unconventional approaches to complex challenges

• Comfortable navigating the pace, ambiguity, and evolution of an innovative startup environment

• Brings a thoughtful, systems-level perspective to mechanical problems—balancing creativity, rigor, and first-principles thinking

• Communicates technical analyses clearly and concisely, with strong writing skills and a modern, active voice

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors in engineering (e.g., mechanical, aerospace, etc.)

• Proven experience in structural analysis using FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar)

• Strong programming skills for automation—preferably Python, with good software development practices

• Demonstrated ability to write comprehensive technical documentation and reports

• Experience developing and managing product requirements and associated test and verification plans

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary engineering environment

Bonus Qualifications:

• Masters or PhD in engineering

• Familiarity with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

  • Section III, division 1 or 5

  • Section VIII, division 1 or 2

  • Nuclear-specific code cases

• Familiarity with configuration management and version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN, etc.)

Who you are:

A startup person: You aren't driven by titles or hierarchy, and prefer efficiency to excess process. You don't need or expect to have a lot of guidance but you enjoy working in a fast-paced team. If you prefer the culture and feel of a large organization, that is great, but you likely won’t enjoy working with us! There is plenty of important work and plenty of good opportunities with organizations like that.

Motivated: You are self-motivated. You bring an enthusiasm to the team, and imbue a sense of passion that goes beyond clocking in and clocking out. This isn’t about a fake or arbitrary “pieces of flair” mentality or lack of work-life balance! It is about being a part of the vision and feeling a part of reaching team goals.

A team-player: Oklo genuinely is a team. We aren’t about taking credit for ourselves, and we aren’t about pushing blame to others. We do incredible things because we work as a team.

An excellent communicator: We need a person who is not only technically competent but also a clear and upbeat communicator.

Creative: Being creative means that when things fall outside clear scopes or processes or problems arise without clear solutions, you are able to identify it as well as invent ways to solve a problem or fill a need without micromanagement. The successful person in this job will not only be creative, but also enjoy being creative and solving open-ended problems which may change day-by-day.

Detail-oriented: This focus is a big part of excellence, consistency, and quality. Excellent grammar and spelling matter for both good communication as well as the image of the company that we put forward.

About Oklo travel requirements:

Oklo requires remote employees to travel to headquarters (Santa Clara, CA) twice a quarter annually, based on business or team needs, including attendance at team meetings, off-sites, and other company events or gatherings.

About Oklo compensation:

Salary: $66,000-$146,000

Salary may fall outside of the range provided and will be dependent on applicant experience.

Oklo offers flexible time off, equity, competitive pay, 401k, health insurance, FSA, flexible work hours, and other benefits.

About Oklo Inc.: 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. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel material from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.

#CHOP: Oklo’s Values
Collaboration: We go further, together. We bring diverse perspectives, listen actively, and build trust through transparency and respect. We work across disciplines, sharing ownership to turn complex challenges into shared successes.
Humility: We are team players who act for the good of the company and for the world. We are focused on our mission, not personal recognition.
Ownership: We take pride in what we do and how we do it. We are proactive in finding solutions and see tasks through  to completion. We are committed to delivering on our promises to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
Pathfinding: We chart new ground where no path exists by approaching challenges with curiosity, courage, and creativity while navigating ambiguity.