Head of Manufacturing

Back to jobsNewHead of ManufacturingSanta Clara, CA or RemoteApplyThanks for your interest in Oklo! We are searching for a Head of Manufacturing to join our team.  Position Description The Head of Manufacturing will lead the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the design, prototype and manufacturing processes. This person will help ensure compliance with nuclear industry standards and foster a culture of hardware excellence. This role focuses on strategic oversight, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize efficiency, quality, and safety in nuclear reactor component manufacturing. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will act as a change agent, coaching teams and leveraging digital tools to drive sustainable improvements and support the company's mission in clean energy production. This position is remote with the expectation to travel at least ~25% of the time to manufacturing sites and HQ as needed. Specific responsibilities may include: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy, aligning with business priorities, loss analysis, and external benchmarks to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) such as quality, delivery, cost, and safety. Lead the identification, planning, and implementation of process improvement initiatives using methodologies to enhance productivity and address root causes of inefficiencies. Promote the application of best practices, standards, and innovations across manufacturing and vendor sites, including nuclear-specific protocols for radiation protection, material handling, and regulatory compliance (e.g., NRC, IAEA standards). Coach and mentor design and manufacturing teams, production managers, and cross-functional stakeholders in autonomous operations, problem-solving, and change management. Ensure adherence to nuclear safety culture, environmental health and safety (EHS) standards, and compliance with all relevant regulations, including risk assessments and process optimizations for supplier factories. Collaborate with senior leadership to set continuous improvement targets, track project results, and report on progress, including cost savings, revenue impacts, and cultural transformations. Support knowledge transfer and capability building through the creation of accessible platforms, training programs, and best practice repositories for global teams. Manage project portfolios, budgets, and timelines for excellence initiatives, balancing client needs, stakeholder engagement, and conflicting priorities in a remote environment. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field 10+ years of experience in design, prototyping and manufacturing operations, preferably in the nuclear, energy, or high-regulated industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership or excellence-focused role Demonstrated ability to lead teams, coach cross-functional groups, and drive cultural change Proficiency in CAD design tools Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and facilitation skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership Willingness to travel for site visits, audits, or team collaboration Competencies We are looking for a Head of Manufacturing that is: Passionate about clean energy and making advanced fission a reality Willing and able to learn quickly Active and an effective communicator of priorities Able to recognize, accept, and manage risk Eager to work on a dynamic team, receive constructive feedback, and grow with us Willing to think differently and do things in new ways  Comfortable in a fast-paced, highly iterative startup environment Excited to think creatively, critically, and reflectively about the problems they are solving, while not leaning only on what has been done before  Willing to propose novel and creative solutions to technical problems An excellent writer who can write in modern active voice, so make your cover letter compelling and write it...