Mechanical Design Engineer - Fuel Manufacturing
OkloIdaho Falls, ID or Remote$100k–$150k/yr
Credentials that matter
Skills and tools
- Solidworks
- Pdm/plm
- Asme Y14.5
- Dfm/dfa
- GD&T
- ANSYS
Required qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
- 5–10 years of experience, with 4+ years in mechanical or structural design within aerospace, automotive, energy, or industrial equipment sectors
- 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, DFA, and tolerance stack-up analysis
- Ability to interpret and produce engineering drawings applying 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 ability to clearly document and present engineering work
- Comfortable working with external manufacturers and engineering consultants for fabrication and analysis support
About this role
Mechanical Design Engineer for Oklo's fuel fabrication team, responsible for developing mechanical systems and equipment components for advanced reactor fuel manufacturing. You will own designs from concept through fabrication readiness, working cross-functionally with engineering teams, vendors, and manufacturing partners to support fuel production for next-generation nuclear reactors.
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 operating requirements and space constraints
- Conduct and participate in design reviews, providing and receiving technical feedback
- 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, and system architecture explanations
- Work closely with fabrication partners to refine designs for cost-effective and practical production
- Manage engagements with consultants and engineering firms to support ASME code compliance and design maturity advancement
- Contribute to continuous improvement of Oklo's mechanical design processes, tools, and standards
- Assist with assembling designs at fuel fabrication facility sites
Preferred qualifications
- Experience designing large structural weldments and mechanical joints
- Background in designing components for high-integrity or safety-critical systems (nuclear, aerospace, defense, or heavy industry)
- Proven ability to lead hardware projects through 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 and 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)
Location, schedule, and travel
Remote role with preference for candidates local to Idaho Falls, ID
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Mechanical Design Engineer - Fuel Manufacturing
Oklo · $100k–$150k/yr