Hot Cell Design Engineer

Oklo Inc. is developing advanced nuclear fuel recycling technologies and is seeking a radiological Hot Cell Design Engineer to join their engineering group. The role involves designing and developing specialized hot cell systems for the safe processing of used nuclear fuel, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to integrate critical systems into an industrial-scale facility.

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

Requirements:

• 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
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status (due to export control requirements)
• 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