Application Guide

How to Apply for Software Lifecycle Specialist

at Oklo

🏢 About Oklo

Oklo is pioneering next-generation fast fission technology and recycling nuclear waste to provide clean, reliable, affordable energy. Their mission-driven approach and focus on sustainability make them a compelling choice for those passionate about combating climate change through innovation. Working at Oklo offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge energy solutions in a remote-first environment.

About This Role

As a Software Lifecycle Specialist, you will define and maintain software lifecycle standards, ensuring traceability from requirements to code and validation. This role is critical for maintaining quality and compliance in a regulated industry, directly supporting engineers in delivering reliable software for advanced nuclear technology.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a stand-up meeting with engineers to review sprint progress and backlog items. You'll then spend time refining Jira workflows and GitLab CI/CD templates, ensuring traceability links are maintained. Afternoons could involve collaborating with DevOps on configuration management or preparing documentation for an upcoming audit.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Oklo Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years in software development, DevOps, technical program management, software quality, or systems engineering, with a strong grasp of SDLC concepts like requirements traceability, version control, CI/CD, and configuration management.
  • Experience in regulated or compliance-driven environments (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, nuclear) and understands the rigor needed for audit trails and documentation.
  • Proficient with Jira and GitLab, able to define workflows, templates, and enforce traceability across repositories and issue tracking systems.
  • Collaborative and detail-oriented, capable of partnering with engineers to ensure proper scoping, backlog hygiene, and milestone alignment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Oklo

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with requirements traceability, configuration management, and CI/CD pipelines, using examples from regulated industries.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with Jira and GitLab, and describe how you've defined or improved lifecycle processes in past roles.

3

Demonstrate your understanding of compliance by referencing standards like ISO 9001, IEC 62304, or NQA-1, and how you've applied them.

4

Showcase your ability to collaborate across teams by including examples of partnering with DevOps or engineering to align on processes.

5

Prepare a concise portfolio or case study of a project where you established traceability or improved lifecycle management, with measurable outcomes.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your experience in regulated environments and how you've ensured compliance through rigorous lifecycle management.", "Highlight your technical skills with Jira and GitLab, providing specific examples of workflows or templates you've created.", "Express passion for Oklo's mission of clean energy and how your skills can contribute to safe, reliable nuclear technology.", 'Mention your collaborative approach and ability to work with engineers to streamline processes without hindering agility.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Oklo's technology: fast fission reactors and nuclear waste recycling, and understand the regulatory landscape (NRC).
  • → Review Oklo's company culture and values, especially around safety and innovation, to align your responses.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the specific compliance standards relevant to nuclear software (e.g., IEEE 1012, IEC 61513).
  • → Look into Oklo's current projects and any public documentation on their software development approach.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you enforce traceability between requirements, design, code, and testing in a GitLab/Jira environment?
2 Describe your experience with change control and configuration management in a compliance-driven setting.
3 How do you balance the need for rigorous processes with the speed of agile development?
4 Walk us through a time you improved software lifecycle standards and the impact it had.
5 What tools and metrics do you use to monitor backlog hygiene and milestone alignment?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't overlook the compliance aspect; failing to mention experience with regulated environments or standards can be a dealbreaker.
  • Avoid being too generic about SDLC; provide concrete examples of traceability, version control, and CI/CD implementation.
  • Don't neglect to show soft skills; this role requires collaboration, so emphasize teamwork and communication.

📅 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!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Oklo!

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