Engineering Technician at Oklo

Santa Clara, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Junior (1 to 2 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Nuclear Energy, Advanced ManufacturingIndustries

Requirements

High school diploma
3+ years hands-on mechanical fabrication/assembly experience or equivalent training/portfolio (trade school, military, etc.)
Proficient with basic shop operations: cut/drill/tap; confident using common hand/power tools safely
Can read mechanical drawings and build notes; understands basic tolerances and fit; uses calipers/mics/gauges accurately
Familiar with shop safety, PPE, and housekeeping (5S); aware of machine guarding and LOTO basics
Comfortable setting up simple test rigs and recording data in spreadsheets; willing to learn instrumentation/DAQ
Basic computer skills: spreadsheets/docs, file management; ability to use CAD viewers
Organized and reliable: follow work instructions, document builds, track parts/kits
Strong communication and teamwork; asks clarifying questions and closes loops
Able to lift up to ~50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform shop/fab tasks with or without reasonable accommodation
Willing to support occasional off-hours work or local field/onsite deployments as needed
Valid driver’s license
Bonus Qualifications
AA/BS in manufacturing/industrial tech, engineering technology, or similar
Prior experience in a prototype/R&D “special projects” or skunkworks environment
Manual and CNC machining (mill/lathe); basic CAM (Fusion 360, Mastercam) and workholding experience
Sheet metal, tube bending, and fabrication (laser/waterjet, press brake, fixture design)
Test & instrumentation experience

Responsibilities

Fabricate, assemble, and iterate one-off prototypes, tools, fixtures, and jigs from sketches, CAD, and verbal direction
Interpret drawings, tolerances, and build notes
Prepare stock—cut, drill, tap, and fit parts using common shop tools; operate basic machine tools (saws, grinders, drills, manual mill/lathe)
Perform light welding as skill allows (MIG/TIG preferred); assist experienced welders as needed
Set up and execute mechanical tests (load, pressure, thermal, vibration, fit/function), including fixture build and instrumentation
Install and calibrate sensors
Collect, record, and organize test data; capture photos/notes; contribute to concise test summaries
Troubleshoot build and test issues; perform root-cause checks and implement quick, pragmatic fixes
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized shop (5S experience a plus); manage waste streams and enforce PPE and safety procedures
Perform basic preventive maintenance on shop equipment; log issues and coordinate repairs
Kit builds: pull hardware and materials, label components, and maintain build travelers
Handle parts procurement: source COTS hardware and materials, request quotes, place orders, and track deliveries
Receive and inspect incoming parts; verify dimensions and finish against drawings; escalate nonconformance issues
Manage inventory of consumables, fasteners, gases, and tooling; keep bins stocked and labeled
Create and update build documentation: redlines, as-built notes, BOM updates, and simple work instructions
Coordinate with prototype engineers and vendors for quick-turn machining, welding, coatings, and other services
Uphold quality standards and dimensional control using calipers, micrometers, gauges where applicable

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

CADMechanical PrototypingFabricationAssemblyMachiningManual MillManual LatheMIG WeldingTIG WeldingMechanical TestingInstrumentationSensorsData CollectionShop Safety5SParts ProcurementVendor Coordination

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the minimum qualifications for the Engineering Technician role?

Candidates need a high school diploma, 3+ years of hands-on mechanical fabrication/assembly experience or equivalent, proficiency with basic shop operations like cut/drill/tap using hand/power tools safely, ability to read mechanical drawings and understand tolerances, and familiarity with shop safety, PPE, and housekeeping.

What skills or experience are preferred for this position?

Light welding skills (MIG/TIG preferred), 5S experience, and operating basic machine tools like saws, grinders, drills, manual mill/lathe are beneficial.

Is this Engineering Technician role remote or on-site?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for the Engineering Technician position?

A strong candidate is passionate, highly analytical, detail-oriented, with hands-on experience translating sketches/CAD into prototypes, strong shop safety practices, and the ability to troubleshoot issues pragmatically.

Oklo

Develops advanced fission power plants

About Oklo

Oklo develops advanced fission power plants that utilize a unique approach to the fission reaction, ensuring safety and enabling the use of nuclear waste as fuel. Their main product, the Aurora reactor, generates up to 15 megawatts of power and can run for over 10 years without refueling, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Oklo distinguishes itself from competitors by focusing on recycling nuclear waste and providing energy solutions for a variety of clients, including industrial facilities and remote communities. The company's goal is to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy while transforming the nuclear energy sector.

Sunnyvale, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2013Year Founded

$116.7KTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

EnergyIndustries

51-200Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Hours

Company Equity

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Risks

Increased competition from other nuclear technology companies may impact Oklo's market share.

Potential regulatory delays could hinder Oklo's expansion and revenue growth.

Public opposition to nuclear energy could challenge Oklo's projects and partnerships.

Differentiation

Oklo uses nuclear waste as fuel, enhancing sustainability and reducing waste.

The Aurora reactor operates for over 10 years without refueling, offering long-term reliability.

Oklo's reactors are versatile, serving industrial, remote, and potential space applications.

Upsides

Growing demand for clean energy in data centers boosts Oklo's market potential.

Acquisition of Atomic Alchemy expands Oklo's revenue into the radioisotope market.

Partnership with Siemens Energy enhances Oklo's technological capabilities and market reach.

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