Radiological Waste Engineering Lead

Salary: $140,000 - 180,000 per year Requirements:

• We require a bachelors degree in Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• We need 10+ years of experience in radioactive waste engineering, fuel cycle engineering, nuclear facility operations, or radioactive waste management.
• We look for strong knowledge of radioactive waste classification and characterization.
• We require hands-on experience with radioactive waste treatment and disposal pathways.
• We need familiarity with relevant regulations, including 10 CFR Parts 20, 61, 70, 71, and/or 72, as well as DOT radioactive material transportation rules.
• We expect familiarity with DOE directives and guidance such as DOE/NE O 435.1, DOE M 435.1, and DOE O 474.2.
• We require experience preparing technical engineering documentation.
• We need excellent communication skills and strong technical writing ability.
• Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related field.
• Additional experience supporting NRC licensing or DOE approvals is a plus.
• Background with fuel cycle facilities or isotope production facilities is desirable.
• Experience developing waste acceptance documentation and selecting or certifying transportation packages is advantageous.
• Knowledge of commercial low-level waste disposal facilities and their acceptance criteria is a plus.
• A Professional Engineer license, or eligibility to obtain one, is beneficial.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams is preferred.

• We develop enterprise-wide radioactive waste management strategies for advanced reactors, fuel recycling facilities, isotope production facilities, and related infrastructure.
• We lead radioactive waste system design from concept through detailed engineering.
• We define waste characterization methods and acceptance criteria for disposal sites.
• We create strategies for treatment, packaging, storage, transport, and disposal of waste.
• We identify opportunities to reduce waste generation and optimize process flows.
• We review waste system designs produced by internal teams and outside engineering partners.
• We build long-term waste disposition plans that support commercial deployment.
• We shape licensing strategies aligned with NRC radioactive waste requirements.
• We prepare technical content for NRC license applications, environmental reports, ISA, Safety Analysis Reports, and related documentation.
• We interface with the NRC, DOE, Agreement States, disposal facilities, and transportation authorities.
• We interpret regulations affecting radioactive waste management and translate impacts to project teams.
• We create compliance approaches for low-level waste, mixed waste, hazardous waste, state-specific waste categories, and naturally occurring radioactive materials where applicable.
• We establish onsite waste handling requirements.
• We lead the procurement or development of an internal waste tracking system.
• We develop transportation approaches for radioactive materials and radioactive waste.
• We evaluate disposal pathways across commercial and government facilities.
• We maintain commercial waste profiles and coordinate with disposal vendors and transportation providers.
• We support waste classification and packaging requirements.
• We develop cost models for long-term waste disposition.
• We collaborate closely with engineering, licensing, operations, safeguards, construction, and environmental compliance teams.
• We mentor junior engineers and promote best practices in radioactive waste engineering.
• We create internal standards, design guides, and engineering procedures.

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We are Oklo, an advanced nuclear energy company developing fast fission power plants, fuel recycling capabilities, and isotope production facilities to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale. We are building a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy. This role sits on our engineering team and is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-moving startup environment, enjoys first-of-a-kind technical challenges, and wants to help shape how the nuclear industry approaches radioactive waste. We offer flexible time off, equity, bonuses, competitive pay, 401(k), health insurance with employer contribution, HSA, FSA, flexible work hours, wellness credits, and other benefits. The salary range for this position is $140,000–$180,000. Remote employees are expected to travel to our Santa Clara, California headquarters twice per quarter, and during the first two weeks of onboarding we require in-person presence at headquarters. This role may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control laws and may require meeting the definition of a U.S. person under applicable laws. We are a collaboration-driven company that values humility, ownership, and pathfinding, and we support a team-oriented culture focused on clean energy and innovation.

last updated 33 week of 2026