Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property
at Oklo
🏢 About Oklo
Oklo is pioneering next-generation fission technology to deliver clean, reliable, affordable energy while recycling nuclear waste—a mission that directly addresses climate change and energy security. Working here means joining a fast-paced, innovative team at the forefront of advanced nuclear energy, with a strong emphasis on intellectual property as a key asset.
About This Role
As Senior Counsel, you will lead Oklo's patent strategy and portfolio management, from drafting claims to negotiating licensing agreements with national labs and commercial partners. This role is critical for protecting Oklo's technological innovations and enabling partnerships that accelerate deployment of their advanced reactors.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing patent office actions and strategizing responses with outside counsel, then moving to a licensing negotiation call with a National Lab partner. Afternoon could involve a patent mining session with engineers to capture new inventions, followed by updating the patent portfolio database and preparing a freedom-to-operate analysis for a new reactor component.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Oklo Is Looking For
- A registered patent attorney with 5-7 years of IP experience, ideally including nuclear, electrical, or chemical engineering background (via degree or substantial work experience).
- Proven track record in drafting patent claims, managing prosecution, and developing patent strategies for a technology company or law firm with a strong technical focus.
- Experienced in negotiating IP licensing and technology transfer agreements, particularly with government entities like National Laboratories or federal agencies.
- Comfortable working in a remote, cross-functional environment and building scalable IP processes from scratch for a growing company.
📝 Tips for Applying to Oklo
Highlight any experience with nuclear technology, advanced energy, or regulated industries—Oklo's IP strategy must align with NRC and DOE requirements.
Showcase specific examples of patent portfolio management, including decisions on international filings and annuity payments, to demonstrate strategic thinking.
Emphasize experience negotiating with National Laboratories or federal agencies—this is a key part of the role and sets Oklo apart from typical in-house IP roles.
Tailor your resume to include metrics (e.g., number of patents prosecuted, licensing deal value) to quantify your impact.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your technical background (nuclear, electrical, or chemical engineering) to Oklo's reactor technology and waste recycling mission.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your technical engineering background and how it enables you to understand Oklo's fast fission technology and patent claims.", 'Specific examples of leading patent strategy and prosecution, especially in a technology area relevant to nuclear or clean energy.', 'Experience with IP licensing and technology transfer, particularly with government entities like National Labs.', "Your interest in Oklo's mission to provide clean energy and recycle nuclear waste, and how your IP work directly supports that mission."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Oklo's website and recent press releases to understand their reactor design (e.g., Aurora powerhouse) and fuel recycling technology.
- → Read about Oklo's licensing and regulatory milestones with the NRC, including their combined license application process.
- → Familiarize yourself with the National Laboratory technology transfer process (e.g., CRADAs, licensing from DOE labs).
- → Understand the competitive landscape for advanced nuclear startups and how IP plays a role in securing funding and partnerships.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention nuclear energy or Oklo's specific technology—stand out by showing genuine interest.
- Overlooking the need to demonstrate experience with government contracting or technology transfer—this is a core requirement.
- Failing to highlight your technical background (engineering degree or experience) even if it's not nuclear—connect it to the role's requirements.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!