Senior Mechanical Designer - Fuel Recycling

Oklo·Santa Clara, CA or Remote·Posted July 2026

Nuclear industryUS only

About this role

Senior Mechanical Designer for Oklo's advanced nuclear fuel recycling technology. Develop detailed 3D CAD models, fabrication drawings, and prototype hardware for high-temperature, chemically aggressive equipment operating in radiological environments. Work directly with machinists and fabrication teams to translate engineering concepts into production-quality designs.

Responsibilities

—Develop detailed 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks, including complex assemblies, weldments, and sheet metal components
—Produce fabrication, assembly, weldment, machining, and installation drawings suitable for manufacturing and procurement
—Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles throughout the design process
—Collaborate with mechanical, process, nuclear, materials, and controls engineers to optimize designs
—Work directly with machinists, welders, and fabrication vendors to incorporate manufacturing feedback
—Develop custom mechanical assemblies, fixtures, tooling, furnace components, molten salt vessels, gloveboxes, hot cells, and remote handling equipment
—Support prototype fabrication by responding to shop questions and revising drawings as designs evolve
—Maintain engineering documentation including bills of materials, drawing revisions, and controlled CAD files
—Participate in design reviews and contribute fabrication and assembly recommendations
—Assist with prototype assembly, equipment integration, and iterative design improvements based on testing feedback
—Help develop CAD standards, drawing templates, and design best practices across the engineering organization

Qualifications

Associate's degree, technical certification, or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Drafting, or related technical field (or equivalent professional experience). 5+ years developing detailed mechanical designs and fabrication drawings. Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks (complex assemblies, weldments, sheet metal, drawing creation). Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, mechanical assembly). Experience creating fabrication drawings with GD&T, tolerancing, bills of materials, and manufacturing notes. Demonstrated application of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles. Ability to interpret engineering requirements and produce accurate, complete mechanical documentation.

Desired

Experience designing equipment for radiological or nuclear facilities. Experience designing gloveboxes, hot cells, shielded equipment, or remote handling systems. Experience designing high-temperature process equipment (furnaces, thermal processing systems operating above 500°C). Experience with molten salt systems, vacuum systems, or corrosive chemical processing equipment. Experience producing large weldments, pressure-containing assemblies, or custom process vessels. Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and industrial drafting best practices. Experience with PDM/PLM systems for CAD and document management. Experience supporting rapid prototyping and iterative hardware development. Experience collaborating with machine shops, fabrication vendors, and equipment installers. Experience in commercial or governmental nuclear projects.