Hardware Test Technician

Oklo Inc; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 41,328 - 68,880; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy technology company in Idaho Falls is seeking a Hardware Test Technician to join their test team. The role involves fabricating and assembling test rigs, executing tests, and maintaining safety protocols. Candidates should have a high school diploma and at least 3 years of relevant experience. Additional skills in mechanical fabrication and knowledge of ASME standards are highly desired. This full-time position offers competitive hourly pay, ranging from $30 to $50, based on experience.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on mechanical fabrication or equivalent training.
• Familiarity with process equipment and ASME B31.3.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and use measuring tools.
• Comfortable setting up simple test rigs and recording data.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and operate test hardware from sketches and CAD.
• Perform light welding as skills allow and assist experienced welders.
• Set up, execute, and document test campaigns.
• Maintain a clean and organized shop.

Skills

Mechanical fabrication

Basic shop operations

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Trade school training

Tools

Basic machine tools

CAD software

Job description

Overview

Oklo is seeking a passionate, problem-solving, and detail-oriented Hardware Test Technician to join our hardware test team.

Position Description

The Hardware Test Technician on the test team will partner with test engineers and hardware owners to fabricate, assemble, instrument, commission, and execute tests, with a focus on thermal-hydraulic tests designed, procured, and fabricated to ASME B31.3. They will translate sketches/CAD and work orders into high-quality test rigs and hardware, keep the test facility safe, clean, and organized, and support operation of test rigs. They will spend time between fabrication, assembly, test setup, instrumentation, and data capture. Work ranges from sourcing parts and coordinating with vendors to building fixtures, executing test campaigns, and documenting results.

This position will be full-time, on-site in Idaho Falls, ID.

Specific responsibilities may include:

• Fabricate, assemble, and operate test hardware and process equipment from sketches, CAD, and written direction
• 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 tests (thermal-hydraulic, mechanical, tribology), including fixture build and instrumentation
• Install and calibrate sensors
• Troubleshoot build and test issues
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized shop (5S experience a plus); manage waste streams and enforce PPE and safety procedures
• 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 engineers and vendors for quick-turn machining, welding, coatings, and other service

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma
• 3+ years hands-on mechanical fabrication/assembly or test operator experience or equivalent training/portfolio (trade school, military, etc.)
• Familiar with process equipment and ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code
• 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:

• A&P license
• Associate degree in manufacturing/industrial tech, engineering technology, or similar
• Prior experience in an R&D test environment
• Test & instrumentation depth: strain gauges, load cells, thermocouples, pressure transducers; NI/LabVIEW, Dewesoft, or equivalent DAQ
• Materials know-how: heat treat, coatings/plating, adhesives, composites, plastics
• Additive manufacturing (FDM/SLA/SLS) for quick-turn jigs and fixtures
• Quality systems exposure (ISO 9001/AS9100)
• Rigging & material handling: forklift/overhead crane experience; basic load calculation

Who you are:

To fit our culture, you should be able to contribute as a team member who is motivated, creative, detail-oriented, and an excellent communicator. You should value collaboration, ownership, and pathfinding, and be able to work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on delivering high-quality results.

About Oklo travel requirements: Oklo requires remote employees to travel to headquarters (Santa Clara, CA) twice a quarter annually, based on business or team needs, including attendance at team meetings, off-sites, and other company events or gatherings.

Compensation: Hourly: $30-$50/hr. Compensation may fall outside of the range provided and will be dependent on applicant experience.

This position may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control laws. Only applicants who meet the definition of a U.S. person under applicable laws may be eligible.

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.

Values: Collaboration, Humility, Ownership, Pathfinding. We go further, together. We bring diverse perspectives, listen actively, and build trust through transparency and respect. We work across disciplines, sharing ownership to turn complex challenges into shared successes. We are team players who act for the good of the company and the world. We chart new ground where no path exists by approaching challenges with curiosity, courage, and creativity while navigating ambiguity.

Recruitment Fraud Disclaimer: Oklo is aware of recent recruitment fraud attempts targeting job seekers. Please be cautious of anyone claiming to represent Oklo who does not contact you from an official Oklo email address. All legitimate communications from our recruiting team— including application updates, interview requests, and job offers — will come exclusively from an @oklo.com email. Oklo will never ask for sensitive personal information, payments, or account credentials during the hiring process. If you receive suspicious outreach or have concerns about the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Oklo, please contact us through the official channels listed on our website.