Head of AI Strategy and Operations

Thanks for your interest in Oklo! We are searching for a Head of AI Strategy and Operations to join our team. Position DescriptionOklo is seeking a Head of AI Strategy & Operations to help drive the company’s adoption and integration of AI across core business functions. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, operations, technology, and execution, supporting initiatives across engineering, licensing, legal, operations, and commercial teams.As AI rapidly transforms both energy demand and how complex systems are designed and operated, this role will help translate emerging AI capabilities into practical operational improvements across Oklo’s business. You will work closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to identify high-impact opportunities, implement AI-enabled workflows, and improve how the company designs, licenses, builds, and operates advanced nuclear systems.This role is designed for a highly execution-oriented operator who can navigate ambiguity, create structure without unnecessary process, and drive measurable outcomes across a wide range of initiatives.Specific responsibilities may include:Lead high-priority AI strategy and operations initiatives across Oklo’s business areasTranslate AI capabilities into actionable execution plans, including defining use cases, owners, timelines, risks, and measurable outcomesDrive internal AI adoption across engineering, licensing, legal, operations, and corporate workflowsBuild lightweight systems and processes to track AI initiatives, adoption metrics, operational improvements, and execution progressIdentify operational bottlenecks and opportunities where AI can improve efficiency, cycle times, quality, or decision-makingPartner with technical teams to evaluate and integrate AI into plant design, monitoring, optimization, and deployment workflowsSupport relationships with AI and enterprise technology partners, including helping structure collaborations and align internal prioritiesPrepare materials and recommendations for executive leadership related to AI strategy, capabilities, and investment prioritiesEstablish practical standards and best practices for AI tool usage across teamsHelp build repeatable systems for evaluating and integrating emerging technologies into Oklo’s operationsMinimum Qualifications:5–12 years of experience in strategy, operations, product, consulting, or similar cross-functional rolesDemonstrated experience driving initiatives from concept through execution in fast-moving environmentsExperience identifying and implementing operational improvements or process efficienciesStrong project management instincts, including managing timelines, owners, dependencies, and risksExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing executive-level materialsStrong judgment and ability to prioritize high-impact opportunitiesAbility to operate independently with high ownership in ambiguous environmentsComfortable working across both technical and non-technical teamsPreferred Qualifications:Experience working with AI/ML tools, workflows, or systems in a professional settingTechnical background in engineering, computer science, physics, or related fields (or equivalent hands-on experience)Experience partnering closely with engineering or technical product teamsFamiliarity with modern AI systems, data pipelines, or software tooling environmentsExperience in energy, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, or other regulated industriesExperience supporting partnerships with enterprise technology companiesExperience in a startup or scaling organization CompetenciesWe are looking for a Head of AI Strategy and Operations that is:Structured and analytical, with the ability to break ambiguous opportunities into actionable workstreamsExecution-oriented with strong ownership and follow-throughComfortable operating in ambiguity and managing evolving prioritiesLow ego, highly collaborative, and team-orientedStrong communicator who can translate complex technical concepts into clear operational plansPractical and creative, focused on identifying real-world AI applications with measurable impactHighly organized and able to manage multiple priorities across teamsComfortable working in a fast-paced, highly iterative startup environment Why this role matters:AI is increasing global demand for reliable power while also transforming how complex systems are designed and operated. This role helps ensure Oklo effectively applies AI internally and across its technology stack to improve performance, efficiency, scalability, and decision-making.You will help shape how Oklo integrates emerging AI capabilities into the deployment of next-generation nuclear technology and build systems that improve how the company operates at scale. Who you are:A startup person: You aren't driven by titles or hierarchy, and prefer efficiency to excess process. You don't need or expect to have a lot of guidance but you enjoy working in a fast-paced team. If you prefer the culture and feel of a large organization, that is great, but you likely won’t enjoy working with us! There is plenty of important work and plenty of good opportunities with organizations like that.Motivated: You are self-motivated. You bring an enthusiasm to the team, and imbue a sense of passion that goes beyond clocking in and clocking out. This isn’t about a fake or arbitrary “pieces of flair” mentality or lack of work-life balance! It is about being a part of the vision and feeling a part of reaching team goals.A team-player: Oklo genuinely is a team. We aren’t about taking credit for ourselves, and we aren’t about pushing blame to others. We do incredible things because we work as a team.An excellent communicator: We need a person who is not only technically competent but also a clear and upbeat communicator.Creative: Being creative means that when things fall outside clear scopes or processes or problems arise without clear solutions, you are able to identify it as well as invent ways to solve a problem or fill a need without micromanagement. The successful person in this job will not only be creative, but also enjoy being creative and solving open-ended problems which may change day-by-day.Detail-oriented: This focus is a big part of excellence, consistency, and quality. Excellent grammar and spelling matter for both good communication as well as the image of the company that we put forward. About Oklo travel requirements:Oklo requires remote employees to travel to headquarters (Santa Clara, CA) twice a quarter annually, based on business or team needs, including attendance at team meetings, off-sites, and other company events or gatherings. For the first two weeks of onboarding, employees are required to be in person at headquarters in Santa Clara, CA. About Oklo compensation: $220,000-$280,000Oklo offers flexible time off, equity, competitive pay, 401k, health insurance, FSA, flexible work hours, and other benefits. About Oklo Inc.: Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel material from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.#CHOP: Oklo’s ValuesCollaboration: We go further, together. We bring diverse perspectives, listen actively, and build trust through transparency and respect. We work across disciplines, sharing ownership to turn complex challenges into shared successes.Humility: We are team players who act for the good of the company and for the world. We are focused on our mission, not personal recognition.Ownership: We take pride in what we do and how we do it. We are proactive in finding solutions and see tasks through  to completion. We are committed to delivering on our promises to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy.Pathfinding: We chart new ground where no path exists by approaching challenges with curiosity, courage, and creativity while navigating ambiguity. Candidates should be aware that employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a drug screening, and employees may be subject to drug testing at any time in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.Recruitment Fraud DisclaimerOklo is aware of recent recruitment fraud attempts targeting job seekers. Please be cautious of anyone claiming to represent Oklo who does not contact you from an official Oklo email address.All legitimate communications from our recruiting team— including application updates, interview requests, and job offers — will come exclusively from an @oklo.com email. Oklo will never ask for sensitive personal information, payments, or account credentials during the hiring process.If you receive suspicious outreach or have concerns about the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Oklo, please contact us through the official channels listed on our website.