Application Guide

How to Apply for Human Factors Engineer

at Oklo

🏢 About Oklo

Oklo is pioneering next-generation fast fission technology and nuclear fuel recycling to provide clean, reliable, affordable energy. As a remote-first company with a mission to reduce nuclear waste, Oklo offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge nuclear technology with a small, agile team.

About This Role

This role is critical for ensuring the safety and usability of a first-of-a-kind nuclear fuel recycling facility. You will lead human factors analyses and verification activities, directly influencing the design and licensing of a facility that has never been built before.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing engineering designs for human factors concerns, leading a task analysis workshop with cross-functional teams, and drafting sections of the HFE safety basis documentation. You'll likely have meetings with licensing and engineering to align on requirements, and spend time researching operating experience from similar facilities.

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🎯 Who Oklo Is Looking For

  • Experienced in applying HFE to nuclear reactor or fuel cycle facilities, with deep knowledge of NUREG-0711, NUREG-0700, and NUREG-0800 Chapter 18.
  • Skilled in task analysis, HSI design review, and procedure development, with a track record of integrating HFE early in design.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment, taking ownership of HFE strategy and safety basis documentation.
  • Able to interface effectively with engineering teams and regulatory bodies, translating complex HFE concepts into actionable requirements.

📝 Tips for Applying to Oklo

1

Highlight specific experience with NUREG-0711 and NUREG-0700 in your resume and cover letter, including any direct use in licensing or safety basis documentation.

2

Showcase any work on first-of-a-kind or novel nuclear facilities, as Oklo is building something unprecedented.

3

Emphasize your ability to work remotely and independently, as the team is distributed and you'll need to drive HFE efforts without constant oversight.

4

Mention any familiarity with DOE or NRC expectations for fuel cycle facilities, as this role involves both reactor and recycling technology.

5

Include examples of how you've influenced engineering design early in the lifecycle to prevent human factors issues downstream.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for nuclear energy and waste recycling, and how it aligns with Oklo's mission.", 'Specific experience with HFE analyses (task analysis, HSI design, V&V) in nuclear contexts, referencing NUREG standards.', 'Your ability to work collaboratively with engineering teams to integrate HFE requirements from the start.', 'Your comfort with ambiguity and pioneering work, as Oklo is developing a first-of-a-kind facility.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Oklo's public documents on their fast reactor design and fuel recycling approach to understand the technology.
  • → Review the latest NRC guidance on human factors for advanced reactors and fuel cycle facilities, including any recent updates to NUREG-0711.
  • → Look into Oklo's licensing history and any public meetings with the NRC to understand regulatory expectations.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the company culture through blog posts or interviews with Oklo leadership.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would develop an HFE strategy for a new nuclear fuel recycling facility.
2 How do you ensure HFE requirements are integrated early in design, especially when engineering teams are focused on other priorities?
3 Describe your experience with NUREG-0711 and how you've applied it in a licensing context.
4 How do you approach operating experience reviews for a facility that has no direct precedent?
5 Tell us about a time you had to advocate for human factors changes that were initially resisted by the design team.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus only on reactor HFE if you lack fuel cycle experience; highlight transferable skills and willingness to learn.
  • Avoid generic statements about 'passion for clean energy' without connecting it to Oklo's specific technology.
  • Don't ignore the startup nature of the role; emphasize adaptability and comfort with limited resources.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Oklo!

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