How to apply for Process Engineer, Isotopes

About Oklo

Oklo is developing next-generation fast fission technology and recycling nuclear waste to provide clean, reliable, affordable energy. The company also runs isotope production programs. Working here means contributing to both advanced reactor deployment and isotope supply.

About the role

This process engineer role sits on the Isotopes team, supporting process systems for isotope production, recovery, separation, purification, and handling. You will design fluid and process systems, define equipment architecture and specifications, build and operate prototypes, and own assigned systems through their lifecycle. The work directly enables safe, reliable, scalable isotope production processes.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing piping and instrumentation diagrams, specifying pumps or heat exchangers, and coordinating with fabricators. You could also be in a lab or test area assembling or operating a bench-scale prototype. Documentation for commissioning, operation, and maintenance is a regular part of the work.

Who Oklo is looking for

• Has hands-on experience designing fluid and process systems including piping, valves, compressors, pumps, and heat exchangers.
• Can define process equipment architecture, specifications, operational modes, and performance criteria from scratch.
• Has built and operated bench-scale or pilot-scale prototypes for iterative design refinement.
• Understands contamination control, radiological controls, and safe operation in nuclear or isotope handling environments.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience with isotope production, recovery, separation, or purification processes, even if adjacent.
• Describe specific fluid systems you have designed, including component selection (pumps, valves, heat exchangers) and performance criteria.
• Mention prototype or pilot-scale work you have assembled and operated, and what you learned from iterative testing.
• Show familiarity with regulatory documentation for process systems, especially in nuclear or radiological contexts.
• Explain how you have served as a system owner, maintaining design basis, configuration, and performance over time.

What to cover in your cover letter

Focus on your direct experience with process system design for isotope or nuclear applications. Describe a prototype you built and operated, and what design changes resulted. Explain how you handle contamination control and radiological safety in process design. State why Oklo's dual focus on fast fission and isotope production interests you specifically.

Research before applying

• Oklo's fast fission reactor technology and how it differs from conventional nuclear reactors.
• Oklo's isotope production programs and which isotopes they target.
• The regulatory environment for isotope production and nuclear process systems in the US.
• Oklo's recent announcements about licensing, fuel recycling, and deployment timelines.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk through a fluid process system you designed, including component selection and performance criteria.
• How would you approach designing a bench-scale prototype for isotope separation or purification?
• What experience do you have with contamination control and radiological controls in process systems?
• Describe how you have maintained a system's design basis and configuration as a system owner.
• How do you document process equipment for fabrication, installation, commissioning, and maintenance?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic process engineering resume without mentioning isotope production, recovery, or purification.
• Claiming experience with radiological controls or contamination control without specific examples.
• Ignoring the system owner responsibility and lifecycle maintenance aspects of the role.