Hardware Test Technician

Hardware Test TechnicianIdaho Falls, IDThanks 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 DescriptionThe 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 directionPrepare 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 neededSet up and execute tests (thermal-hydraulic, mechanical, tribology), including fixture build and instrumentationInstall and calibrate sensorsTroubleshoot build and test issuesMaintain a safe, clean, and organized shop (5S experience a plus); manage waste streams and enforce PPE and safety proceduresReceive and inspect incoming parts; verify dimensions and finish against drawings; escalate nonconformance issuesManage inventory of consumables, fasteners, gases, and tooling; keep bins stocked and labeledCreate and update build documentation: redlines, as-built notes, BOM updates, and simple work instructionsCoordinate with engineers and vendors for quick-turn machining, welding, coatings, and other serviceMinimum qualifications:High school diploma3+ 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 CodeProficient with basic shop operations: cut/drill/tap/; confident using common hand/power tools safelyCan read mechanical drawings and build notes; understands basic tolerances and fit; uses calipers/mics/gauges accuratelyFamiliar with shop safety, PPE, and housekeeping (5S); aware of machine guarding and LOTO basicsComfortable setting up simple test rigs and recording data in spreadsheets; willing to learn instrumentation/DAQBasic computer skills: spreadsheets/docs, file management; ability to use CAD viewersOrganized and reliable: follow work instructions, document builds, track parts/kitsStrong communication and teamwork; asks clarifying questions and closes loopsAble to lift up to ~50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform shop/fab tasks with or without reasonable accommodationWilling to support occasional off-hours work or local field/onsite deployments as neededValid driver's licenseBonus qualifications:A&P licenseAssociate degree in manufacturing/industrial tech, engineering technology, or similarPrior experience in an R&D test environmentTest & instrumentation depth: strain gauges, load cells, thermocouples, pressure transducers; NI/LabVIEW, Dewesoft, or equivalent DAQMaterials know-how: heat treat, coatings/plating, adhesives, composites, plasticsAdditive manufacturing (FDM/SLA/SLS) for quick-turn jigs and fixturesQuality systems exposure (ISO 9001/AS9100)Rigging & material handling: forklift/overhead crane experience; basic load calculationWho 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.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. For the first two weeks of onboarding, employees are required to be in person at headquarters in Santa Clara, CA.About Oklo compensation:Hourly: $30-$50/hrCompensation 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.#CHOP: Oklo's ValuesCollaboration: 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.Humility: We are team players who act for the good of the company and for the world. We are focused on our mission, not personal recognition.Ownership: We take pride in what we do and how we do it. We are proactive in finding solutions and see tasks through to completion. We are committed to delivering on our promises to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy.Pathfinding: We chart new ground where no path exists by approaching challenges with curiosity, courage, and creativity while navigating ambiguity.Candidates should be aware that employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a drug screening, and employees may be subject to drug testing at any time in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.