Hardware Test Technician

Oklo

Idaho Falls (ID)

On-site

USD 41,328 - 68,880

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A startup technology company in Idaho Falls seeks a Hardware Test Technician to collaborate with engineers on testing hardware. The role involves fabricating, assembling, and executing tests with a focus on thermal-hydraulic systems. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and 3+ years of relevant experience. Teamwork and communication skills are key, alongside a strong commitment to maintaining safety in the workshop environment. Pay ranges from $30 to $50 per hour based on experience.

Qualifications

3+ years hands-on mechanical fabrication/assembly or test operator experience.
Familiar with process equipment and ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code.
Basic computer skills in spreadsheets/docs and file management.

Responsibilities

Fabricate, assemble, and operate test hardware and process equipment.
Set up and execute thermal-hydraulic tests including fixture build.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized shop.

Skills

Mechanical fabrication

Welding

Communication

Teamwork

Data recording

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Common shop tools

CAD software

Job description

Thanks for your interest in Oklo! We are searching for 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; accelerate 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:

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 pressing 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.

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 eventsor gatherings.

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.

Export Control Question

We require this information for compliance with U.S. regulations regarding the export of controlled or protected technologies or information, including 10 CFR Part 810 and 15 CFR Parts 730-774. 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 you are not a U.S. Person, the export control regulations may restrict the technical information you can access until Oklo obtains an export authorization or license from the U.S. government. If offered the position, it will be dependent on Oklo being able to satisfy all applicable export control requirements, including acquiring the necessary authorization or license.

Please identify yourself as one of the following:

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. Not a U.S. Person, as defined above, and affiliation as a citizen, national, or permanent resident of only countries listed in List I below. 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.

List I