Hardware Test Technician
About this role
Oklo is developing advanced nuclear reactors. Join the hardware test team as a Hardware Test Technician to fabricate, assemble, instrument, and execute thermal-hydraulic tests on ASME B31.3 process equipment supporting nuclear reactor R&D. You'll translate CAD designs into high-quality test rigs, operate shop equipment, and support critical testing in a fast-paced startup environment.
Responsibilities
- —Fabricate, assemble, and operate test hardware and process equipment from sketches, CAD, and written direction
- —Prepare stock by cutting, drilling, tapping, and fitting parts using common shop tools and basic machine tools (saws, grinders, drills, manual mill/lathe)
- —Perform light welding (MIG/TIG preferred) and assist experienced welders as needed
- —Set up and execute tests including thermal-hydraulic, mechanical, and tribology tests with fixture build and instrumentation
- —Install and calibrate sensors for data collection
- —Troubleshoot build and test issues
- —Maintain safe, clean, and organized shop; manage waste streams and enforce PPE and safety procedures
- —Receive and inspect incoming parts; verify dimensions and finish against drawings; escalate nonconformance issues
- —Manage inventory of consumables, fasteners, gases, and tooling
- —Create and update build documentation including redlines, as-built notes, BOM updates, and work instructions
- —Coordinate with engineers and vendors for machining, welding, coatings, and other services
- —Support occasional off-hours work and local field/onsite deployments
Qualifications
- —High school diploma
- —3+ years hands-on mechanical fabrication/assembly or test operator experience (or equivalent trade school/military training/portfolio)
- —Familiarity with process equipment and ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code
- —Proficiency with basic shop operations: cut/drill/tap and safe use of common hand and power tools
- —Ability to read mechanical drawings and build notes; understanding of basic tolerances and fit
- —Proficiency with precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges)
- —Familiarity with shop safety, PPE, housekeeping (5S), machine guarding, and LOTO basics
- —Comfort setting up simple test rigs and recording data in spreadsheets; willingness to learn instrumentation/DAQ
- —Basic computer skills: spreadsheets, documents, file management, CAD viewers
- —Organized and reliable work habits with ability to follow work instructions and document builds
- —Strong communication and teamwork skills
- —Ability to lift up to ~50 lbs and stand for extended periods
- —Valid driver's license
Desired
- —A&P license
- —Associate degree in manufacturing/industrial technology, engineering technology, or similar field
- —Prior experience in an R&D test environment
- —Test and instrumentation experience: strain gauges, load cells, thermocouples, pressure transducers; NI/LabVIEW, Dewesoft, or equivalent DAQ
- —Materials knowledge: heat treat, coatings/plating, adhesives, composites, plastics
- —Additive manufacturing experience (FDM/SLA/SLS) for quick-turn jigs and fixtures
- —Quality systems exposure (ISO 9001/AS9100)
- —Rigging and material handling: forklift/overhead crane experience; basic load calculation
Location
Full-time, on-site in Idaho Falls, ID. Occasional off-hours work and local field deployments. Travel to Santa Clara, CA headquarters twice per quarter. First two weeks of onboarding required in person at headquarters.
Job details
Skills & Tools
About the company
Oklo →An advanced fission company developing the Aurora powerhouse, a fast-reactor microreactor designed to deliver clean baseload power.
Careers page ↗More like this
Related jobs
Nuclear Turbine Maintenance Technician I or Nuclear Turbine Maintenance Technician II - Brunswick Nuclear Plant
Duke Energy // Southport, NC
Nuclear Turbine Maintenance Technician I or Nuclear Turbine Maintenance Technician II - Harris Nuclear Plant
Duke Energy // New Hill, NC
Supervisor Nuclear Maintenance - Reactor Maintenance (Oconee Nuclear Station)
Duke Energy // Seneca, SC
Sr. NDE Technical Support Specialist - NDE Level III (McGuire Island)
Duke Energy // Huntersville, NC
Hardware Test Technician
Oklo · $30–$50/hr