How to apply for Nuclear Commissioning and Startup Engineer

About Oklo

Oklo is developing next-generation fast fission technology and recycling nuclear waste to provide clean, reliable, affordable energy. The company is deploying its own facilities, so commissioning and startup engineers directly shape how those plants move from construction to operation.

About the role

This role plans, coordinates, and executes commissioning and startup activities for Oklo facilities. You will develop test procedures, turnover requirements, schedules, and readiness criteria, then provide onsite engineering support as systems transition from construction to initial operation. The work is project-based with remote work between field assignments.

A typical day

A typical day could involve reviewing test procedures, coordinating with construction or operations on system turnover, and tracking readiness criteria for an upcoming test. During field assignments, you might support a test team, monitor plant response and test data, troubleshoot issues, and document results. Between field assignments, you would work remotely on planning, schedules, and resource needs.

Who Oklo is looking for

• Experience with nuclear commissioning, startup, or plant operations, including test procedure development and system turnover.
• Ability to serve in field roles such as system-based commissioning engineer, test engineer, shift test engineer, or field engineering lead.
• Familiarity with coordinating across operations, engineering, construction, maintenance, quality, safety, vendors, and contractors.
• Willingness to work remotely between field assignments and travel to active commissioning or startup sites.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific commissioning or startup projects you supported, including the systems tested and your role in turnover or readiness reviews.
• Name the nuclear codes, standards, or plant systems you have worked with, since Oklo uses fast fission technology and fuel recycling.
• Describe how you coordinated between construction, operations, and quality teams during a system transition.
• Mention any experience developing or reviewing test procedures, schedules, or readiness criteria.
• State clearly that you can work remotely and travel to field assignments for commissioning and startup.

What to cover in your cover letter

Focus on your hands-on commissioning or startup experience in nuclear or comparable industrial facilities. Explain how you have moved systems from construction through testing, turnover, and initial operation. Describe your ability to work across multiple teams and resolve deficiencies during field execution. Mention your willingness to work remotely and deploy to field sites as needed.

Research before applying

• Oklo's fast fission technology and its approach to recycling nuclear waste.
• Oklo's current facilities and any announced commissioning or startup timelines.
• The Operations Engineering team structure and how commissioning fits into Oklo's project deployment model.
• Nuclear commissioning and startup standards or regulations that apply to advanced reactor deployment in the US.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk through a commissioning or startup project you supported from planning through field execution.
• How do you confirm system and test readiness before a major test?
• Describe a time you resolved a deficiency during a test or startup activity.
• How do you coordinate between operations, engineering, construction, and quality teams during turnover?
• What experience do you have with fast fission technology or nuclear waste recycling, or how would you learn Oklo's specific systems?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic resume that does not name specific commissioning, startup, or turnover experience.
• Ignoring the field assignment requirement or implying you only want remote work.
• Failing to show how you have worked across construction, operations, quality, and safety teams.