Hot Cell Design Engineer
As a Hot Cell Design Engineer at Oklo, you will be instrumental in developing a specialized, remotely operable hot cell environment for the safe and efficient processing of used nuclear fuel. This role is part of Oklo's fuel recycling engineering group, which is at the forefront of designing and deploying modern nuclear fuel recycling facilities. Oklo is a pioneering company dedicated to delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy through advanced fission power plants.
In this position, you will lead or support the mechanical and systems design of radiological hot cells used in used nuclear fuel recycling. Your responsibilities will include designing shielding, ventilation, confinement, and remote handling systems. You will define equipment and material layouts, develop material transfer pathways, and establish maintenance access strategies. Collaborating with radiation modeling and safety analysis specialists, you will develop shielding requirements and design constraints. Additionally, you will integrate robotic and remote handling technologies, such as manipulators, cameras, and cranes, into the cell design.
The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related discipline, along with at least five years of experience in radiological facility design, glovebox or hot cell engineering, or radiological material handling. A strong working knowledge of remote handling systems, robotics, or manipulator technologies is essential. An understanding of radiation shielding principles, criticality safety, and radiological protection standards is required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively on cross-functional teams, are crucial. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status is necessary due to export control requirements.
Oklo offers a competitive salary range of $80,000 to $180,000, dependent on applicant experience. Additional benefits include flexible time off, equity options, 401(k) plans, health insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA), and flexible work hours.
Joining Oklo means becoming part of a team that values collaboration, humility, ownership, and pathfinding. The company fosters a culture where diverse perspectives are embraced, and team members are encouraged to think creatively and critically. Oklo is committed to delivering on its promises to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy, offering employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful and impactful projects.