Job description
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 Qua lifications:
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 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. (NYSE: OKLO) is a fast fission clean power technology and nuclear fuel recycling company developing fast fission power plants to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale. Oklo received a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy, was awarded fuel material from Idaho National Laboratory, submitted the first advanced fission custom combined license application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and is developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.
Oklo has been featured in Time, Newsweek, Popular Mechanics, Wired, Architectural Digest, Hyperallergic, POWER Magazine, has been the subject of a Harvard Business School case, and was featured in the documentary The New Fire, among many other features.
