Hot Cell Design Engineer

Position Description As a Hot Cell Design Engineer at Oklo, you will help shape a highly specialized, remotely‑operable hot cell environment that enables the safe, efficient processing of used nuclear fuel (UNF). You’ll work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, nuclear, chemical, and controls engineers to integrate critical systems such as shielding, containment, and remote operations into an industrial‑scale recycling facility. Key Responsibilities Lead or support the mechanical and systems design of radiological hot cells used in UNF recycling, including shielding, ventilation, confinement, and remote handling systems Define equipment and material layouts, including material transfer pathways and maintenance access strategies Work with radiation modeling and safety analysis specialists to develop shielding requirements and establish design constraints Integrate robotic and remote handling technologies (e.g., manipulators, cameras, cranes, etc.) into cell design Contribute to the structural evaluation of confinement systems, ensuring compliance with fire protection, external hazard, and natural phenomena hazard requirements Collaborate with structural, HVAC, instrumentation, and process engineers to ensure seamless integration across all hot cell systems Participate in Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (FMEA), hazard analyses, and radiological safety assessments Contribute to design reviews, procurement specifications, and installation and commissioning plans Support prototyping, testing, and commissioning of hot cell subsystems Competencies Passionate about clean energy, fuel recycling, and efficient stewardship of natural resources An optimist at heart Passionate about making advanced fission a reality Willing and able to learn quickly Willing to think differently and do things in new ways Comfortable in a fast‑paced, highly‑iterative startup environment Excited to think creatively, critically, and reflectively about the problems they are solving while not leaning only on what has been done before Willing to propose novel and creative solutions to technical problems An excellent writer who can write in a modern active voice Able to communicate technical content and results verbally Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related discipline 5+ years of experience in radiological facility design, glovebox or hot cell engineering, or radiological material handling Strong working knowledge of remote handling systems, robotics, or manipulator technologies Understanding of radiation shielding principles, criticality safety, and radiological protection standards Excellent written and verbal communication skills Demonstrated ability to collaborate on cross‑functional teams and integrate feedback from engineering, licensing, and safety Strong systems engineering intuition and problem‑solving capabilities Bonus Qualifications Experience with hot cells used in nuclear fuel cycle facilities, isotope production, or defense applications Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, Inventor) and engineering drawing standards Knowledge of NRC and/or DOE regulatory requirements and nuclear standards for nuclear facilities Prior hands‑on experience with mockups, prototyping, or commissioning of radiological systems Experience with vendor coordination, A&E firms, and project management Who You Are A startup person: not driven by titles or hierarchy, prefer efficiency to excess process, enjoy working in a fast‑paced team Motivated: self‑motivated, enthusiastic, passionate about vision and team goals A team‑player: works collaboratively without taking credit or blaming others An excellent communicator: clear and upbeat, both technically competent and good at conveying ideas Creative: identifies and devises solutions when problems lack clear guides or processes, enjoys problem solving day‑to‑day Detail‑oriented: focuses on excellence, consistency, quality, grammar, and spelling #J-18808-Ljbffr