Thanks for your interest in Oklo! We are searching for a Special Projects Manager to join our team.
Position Description
Oklo Isotopes is building scalable U.S. radioisotope production capabilities in facilities dedicated to producing essential isotopes for healthcare, space, industry, research, and defense applications. Oklo’s Idaho Radioisotopes Laboratory has recently received its Material Possession License from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, positioning us to play a leading role in manufacturing and distributing beneficial radioisotopes across the country. The Special Projects Manager will lead and coordinate high‑impact, cross‑functional projects that support facility development, operational readiness, permitting, licensing, infrastructure deployment, and strategic initiatives. This role serves as both a hands‑on project leader and a cross‑functional integrator, driving execution across engineering, operations, radiological protection, regulatory, supply chain, and business teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage strategic projects supporting radioisotope facility development, commissioning, and operational readiness.
- Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, budgets, resource plans, and performance metrics.
- Coordinate cross‑functional teams, contractors, suppliers, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
- Manage project scope, risks, issues, and dependencies while proactively identifying and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Drive alignment across technical, operational, regulatory, and business functions to achieve project objectives and milestones.
- Oversee contractor performance, procurement activities, material sourcing, and project deliverables.
- Facilitate project meetings, status reviews, and executive reporting to communicate progress, risks, and key decisions.
- Support permitting, licensing, facility modifications, equipment installations, and infrastructure upgrade projects.
- Establish and maintain project controls, documentation, action tracking, and change management processes.
- Contribute to technical strategy, execution planning, and continuous improvement initiatives that support organizational goals.
- Ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable quality, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, Materials Science, Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years of project management experience leading complex technical, engineering, construction, manufacturing, or operational projects.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with high levels of complexity, uncertainty, and cross‑functional coordination.
- Proven experience developing and maintaining project schedules, budgets, resource plans, and performance metrics.
- Experience leading cross‑functional teams and coordinating activities across technical, operational, regulatory, and business functions.
- Working knowledge of project management methodologies, project controls, risk management, and scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Smartsheet.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with technical teams, contractors, suppliers, and executive leadership.
- Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills in dynamic environments.
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience in nuclear, radioisotope production, national laboratory, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, energy, or other highly regulated industries.
- PMP certification strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting facility startup, commissioning, operational readiness, or infrastructure development projects.
- Experience working with NRC, DOE, national laboratories, or other government stakeholders.
- Experience managing contractor‑driven projects, capital projects, facility upgrades, or equipment installation efforts.
- Familiarity with quality assurance, configuration management, permitting, or regulatory compliance processes.
- Experience supporting radioactive material handling facilities, nuclear laboratories, hot cell operations, or radiological facilities.
Core Competencies
- Passionate about unleashing beneficial isotopes
- Willing and able to learn quickly
- Not afraid to roll up sleeves and deliver
- Ability to see how pieces connect and manage interfaces
- Turns ambiguity into momentum
- Eager to work on a dynamic team, receive constructive feedback, and grow with us
- Willing to think differently and act proactively
- Comfortable in a fast‑paced, highly iterative startup environment
- Strong attention to detail and procedural compliance
- Creative, critical, and reflective problem‑solver who brings novel solutions
- Excellent writer with a modern active voice
- Sound judgment and decision‑making in radiological and operational environments
Who You Are
- A startup mindset—driven by efficiency rather than hierarchy, thriving with minimal guidance.
- Highly self‑motivated, bringing enthusiasm and commitment to team goals.
- A true team‑player who shares credit and pushes back against blame.
- Clear and upbeat communicator, both technically and interpersonally.
- Creative and resourceful, capable of inventing solutions when clear paths are missing.
- Detail‑oriented with a strong focus on grammar, spelling, and procedural compliance.
Location & Travel
Remote employees are required to travel to Oklo headquarters in Santa Clara, CA, twice a quarter during the first two weeks of onboarding and as needed for team meetings, off‑sites, and company events.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $100,000–$160,000.
Benefits include flexible time off, equity, bonuses, competitive pay, 401(k) with company match, health insurance with employer contribution, HSA, FSA, flexible work hours, wellness credits, and other comprehensive benefits.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Oklo is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We celebrate diversity and encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
Recruitment Fraud Disclaimer
Oklo is aware of recent recruitment fraud attempts. All legitimate communications will come exclusively from an @oklo.com email address. Oklo will never ask for sensitive personal information, payments, or account credentials during the hiring process. If you receive suspicious outreach, please contact us through the official channels listed on our website.
Values
- Collaboration: We work across disciplines, share ownership, and turn complex challenges into shared successes.
- Humility: We act for the good of the company and the world, focusing on mission rather than personal recognition.
- Ownership: We take pride in our work, proactively find solutions, and see tasks through to completion.
- Pathfinding: We chart new ground by approaching challenges with curiosity, courage, and creativity while navigating ambiguity.