Oklo

Mechanical Analyst Engineer

Santa Clara, California, United States

Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Nuclear Energy, Power GenerationIndustries

Position Description

Thanks for your interest in Oklo! We are searching for a passionate, highly analytical, and detail-oriented Mechanical Analyst Engineer to join our engineering team.

Mechanical Analyst Engineers at Oklo are responsible for the analysis of mechanical components as part of the power plant design. This role is ideal for a mechanical engineer who thrives on solving complex problems through first-principles thinking, rapid iteration hand calculations, and finite element analysis (FEA) when the project requires. You will play a critical role in the progression and optimization of mechanical designs, working closely with design, manufacturing, and testing teams as well as coordinating with external vendors for additional analysis support.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong foundation in fundamental mechanics and strength of materials, with additional expertise in areas such as dynamics, creep, fatigue, and heat transfer. A key aspect of this role includes producing clear, traceable, and reviewable documentation of analytical work, and using your results to recommend design changes or other next steps. You will also contribute to the development and maintenance of in-house analysis methodologies and best practices to support consistency, scalability, and knowledge sharing across the engineering team.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Perform rigorous mechanical analyses across all levels of fidelity, from hand calculations and textbook formulas to highly detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Evaluate structural performance for stress, creep, fatigue, vibration, temperature limits, and other failure modes
  • Interpret and apply relevant engineering standards and codes (e.g., ASME, ASCE, AISC) to establish appropriate design limits and acceptance criteria
  • Develop clear, concise, and technically sound documentation of engineering methodologies, analysis results, and design justifications
  • Summarize mechanical analysis results in written documents and presentation slides, translating complex data into concise summaries of key findings (e.g., peak stresses, safety margins) and actionable design revision recommendations, and present those results to management and various stakeholders
  • 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

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

  • Bachelor’s or higher degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical, aerospace, materials)
  • 4+ years of industry experience performing mechanical or structural analysis within sectors such as energy, aerospace, automotive, defense, industrial machinery, or advanced manufacturing
  • Proven experience in structural analysis using FEA tools (e.g., Ansys, Abaqus, COMSOL)
  • Demonstrated ability to write comprehensive technical documents

Skills

Mechanical Analysis
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Hand Calculations
Strength of Materials
Dynamics
Creep
Fatigue
Heat Transfer
ASME
ASCE
AISC
Structural Performance Evaluation
Vibration Analysis
Documentation

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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