Hardware Test Engineer

Oklo; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Oklo is seeking a Hardware Test Engineer to join their transformation of the energy sector. The role involves developing and executing test plans, ensuring quality and compliance in thermo-hydraulic and sodium testing. Ideal candidates should have experience in regulated environments, with strong analytical and communication skills to enhance project success.

Benefits

Flexible time off

Equity

Competitive pay

401k

Health insurance

FSA

Flexible work hours

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of hands-on test engineering experience, preferably in a highly regulated industry.
• Ability to lift, move, and position objects up to 30 lbs.
• Driver's license and ability to operate motor vehicles and machinery.

Responsibilities

• Craft and manage test plans for thermo-hydraulic and sodium testing.
• Conduct hands-on testing and troubleshoot issues.
• Compile and analyze test data, communicating results effectively.

Skills

Test Execution

Analytical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Effective Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Job description

Remote, with expectation of relocation to future test facility location and/or travel up to 50%.

Thanks for your interest in Oklo! We are searching for a Hardware Test Engineer to join our team.

Position Description
Oklo is transforming the future of energy, and we’re looking for a Hardware Test Engineer with 3-5 years of dedicated experience in testing within regulated industries. In this role, you will develop, execute, and manage test projects—specializing in thermo-hydraulic and/or sodium testing—to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance. You’ll join a dynamic team where precision meets innovation, shaping testing methodologies that drive towards cheap, abundant, clean energy.

Specific responsibilities may include:

Test Plan Development: Craft detailed and comprehensive test plans that outline protocols for thermo-hydraulic and sodium testing, ensuring alignment with applicable quality standards.

Test Execution: Conduct hands-on testing by setting up experiments, monitoring progress, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring tests are executed efficiently and accurately.

Reporting & Analysis: Compile, analyze, and communicate test data through clear, concise reports that pinpoint performance outcomes, identify potential risks, and offer actionable insights.

Procurement Activities: Manage test procurement processes—coordinate with suppliers and oversee tool, equipment, and material sourcing—to ensure project requirements are met.

Project Management: Oversee testing projects from initiation to completion, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to maintain project timelines, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Technical Expertise: Proficiency in thermo-hydraulic and/or sodium testing methodologies, including setup, data collection, and analysis, ensuring robust and reliable outcomes.

Passion: Passionate about clean energy and making advanced fission a reality

Analytical & Detail-Oriented: Exceptional attention to detail with a strong analytical mindset; capable of deciphering complex data and transforming it into clear insights.

Regulatory Acumen: Deep understanding of regulatory requirements in highly controlled industries, particularly the nuclear or aerospace industries, ensuring all testing and reporting meet or exceed quality standards.

Project Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; strong organizational skills with the capacity to lead test activities and coordinate effectively with various teams.

Effective Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of producing detailed reports and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to drive project success.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as nuclear, mechanical, or aerospace engineering.

3-5 years of hands-on test engineering experience, preferably in a highly regulated industry environment.

Ability to lift, move, and position objects up to 30 lbs in all direction

A driver's license and ability to operate motor vehicles and machinery

Bonus Qualifications

Proven expertise in thermo-hydraulic and/or sodium testing, with a strong foundation in designing and executing test plans.

Proficiency in instrumentation, data acquisition, and control methods

Familiarity with NQA-1 test control requirements

Experience managing end-to-end test projects, including overseeing test procurement, coordinating cross-functional teams, and meeting stringent regulatory requirements.

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.

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. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel material from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.

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The questions in this section are for the sole purpose of ensuring compliance with U.S. regulations concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information, including 10 CFR Part 810 and 15 CFR Parts 730-774. Oklo is required to obtain answers to these questions from job applicants to ensure Oklo's compliance with these export regulations. If you are a U.S. Person, the export control regulations will not limit the technical information that Oklo can share with you after you start work. If, however, you are not a U.S. Person, the export control regulations may restrict the technical information to which we can give you access until and unless Oklo acquires an export authorization or license from the US government. If you are offered a position, it will be dependent on Oklo being able to satisfy all of the applicable export control requirements for your position, including acquiring any necessary export authorizations or licenses from the US government.

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The questions in this section are for the sole purpose of ensuring compliance with U.S. regulations concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information, including 10 CFR Part 810 and 15 CFR Parts 730-774. Oklo is required to obtain answers to these questions from job applicants to ensure Oklo's compliance with these export regulations. If you are a U.S. Person, the export control regulations will not limit the technical information that Oklo can share with you after you start work. If, however, you are not a U.S. Person, the export control regulations may restrict the technical information to which we can give you access until and unless Oklo acquires an export authorization or license from the US government. If you are offered a position, it will be dependent on Oklo being able to satisfy all of the applicable export control requirements for your position, including acquiring any necessary export authorizations or licenses from the US government.

Please identify yourself as one of the following A, B, or C as describedbelow: *

________________________________________________________________________

A . U.S. Person, which is defined for export control purposes as either:

a U.S. citizen

a U.S. national (one born in American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands)

a U.S. lawful permanent resident (commonly referred to as a “green card holder”), or

a protected person under the Immigration and Nationality Act (such as an individual who the U.S. government has granted asylum or refugee status)

________________________________________________________________________

B . Nota U.S. Person, as defined above,andaffiliation as a citizen, national, or permanent resident ofonlycountries listed in List Ibelow.This list is derived from 10 CFR Part 810, Appendix A, which is linked here . Because the U.S. government can change this list of countries at any time, please use the link to view the regulations in Appendix A instead of relying on the list below.

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Poland

Austria

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Portugal

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Bulgaria

Ireland

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