Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual Designer Company: Oklo Location: Santa Clara, CA / Remote Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-11-19T21:16:52 Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and ongoing evolution of Oklo’s comprehensive visual identity across all internal and external communications channels, ensuring brand consistency and impact.
• Drive innovative creative concept generation and visual direction to enhance Oklo’s storytelling capabilities and elevate brand visibility within the technology and energy sectors.
• Oversee the design and production of high-impact visual assets, ranging from detailed fact sheets and infographics to engaging digital content for web, social media, and video production.
• Foster a collaborative design environment, working cross-functionally with communications, marketing, operations, and government affairs teams to align visual narratives with strategic messaging and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor with significant ownership over the brand's visual narrative. The description emphasizes a blend of strategic brand stewardship and hands-on design execution, crucial for a mission-driven, fast-paced startup environment. The "Visual Designer" title, combined with the responsibilities and experience level, suggests a role that requires both creative flair and strategic business acumen, particularly in translating complex technical information into accessible visual formats.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the comprehensive development and continuous enhancement of Oklo’s visual identity, ensuring its consistent and impactful application across all communication touchpoints, including digital platforms, print materials, and event collateral.
• Conceptualize and propose bold, innovative creative directions and design strategies that effectively advance Oklo’s mission-driven storytelling and significantly boost brand visibility within the competitive technology and energy markets.
• Maintain rigorous adherence to established brand standards and guidelines across all visual outputs, ensuring a cohesive and professional brand representation in every piece of communication.
• Conduct regular audits of the visual asset library, implementing robust version control, organizational structures, and accessibility protocols to streamline asset management and retrieval for all teams.
• Design and produce a wide array of high-impact visual materials, including but not limited to fact sheets, detailed infographics, comprehensive reports, compelling presentations, and dynamic event visuals.
• Develop and refine layouts and design assets specifically tailored for web presence, digital campaigns, and social media engagement, optimizing for maximum reach and impact.
• Provide critical support for video production and animation projects by creating storyboards, defining visual direction, and coordinating effectively with external creative vendors and production teams.
• Design and meticulously refine essential brand elements, custom icons, and graphics for consistent, company-wide application, reinforcing brand recognition and visual unity.
• Translate complex technical, policy, and scientific concepts into clear, visually engaging, and easily digestible narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Actively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including communications, marketing, operations, and government affairs, to ensure visual strategies are seamlessly aligned with overarching messaging and business objectives.
• Skillfully present creative ideas, design concepts, and visual options to stakeholders, adeptly incorporating constructive input and feedback from multiple parties to refine final deliverables.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by balancing creative leadership with practical execution, proactively responding to changes in project scope, priorities, and timelines.
• Efficiently manage creative workflows, employing project management best practices to meet demanding deadlines without compromising the high quality of design output.
• Perform periodic brand audits to identify areas for improvement and recommend strategic updates or enhancements to maintain brand relevance and impact.
• Establish and maintain highly organized systems for visual assets and design templates, facilitating consistent and efficient utilization across all departments and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed indicate a senior-level role focused on strategic brand management and high-level visual communication. The emphasis on translating complex technical information into visual narratives, supporting video production, and managing creative workflows highlights the need for a designer who can operate effectively in a sophisticated, knowledge-intensive industry like advanced energy technology. The inclusion of brand audits and asset management points to a need for strong organizational and process-oriented skills beyond pure design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring 5-8 years of experience. Experience: 5-8 years of progressive experience in visual communications, brand design, or creative direction, with a strong preference for candidates with backgrounds in technology, energy, or mission-driven sectors.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in visual design principles, including typography, color theory, layout, and composition, applied to strategic brand communication.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of creative work, exceptional visual storytelling abilities, and demonstrated experience in managing and evolving brand systems.
• Mastery of industry-standard design software, including expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and familiarity with Figma for collaborative design workflows.
• Demonstrated experience in video production support, including storyboarding, visual concept development, and directing motion graphics or animation projects.
• Proven ability to lead and drive creative projects from concept to completion, effectively managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills, with a track record of working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared visual communication goals.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a meticulous approach to design execution, asset management, and maintaining brand consistency.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic and evolving work environment, with the capacity to pivot and adjust creative strategies as needed.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale, present creative concepts clearly, and provide constructive feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or similar.
• Proficiency in motion graphics creation using Adobe After Effects or similar tools.
• Familiarity with web design principles and UI/UX considerations for digital assets.
• Experience working within or supporting government affairs or regulatory communications.
• A proactive and innovative mindset, continuously seeking new visual approaches to storytelling and audience engagement.
• Ability to balance a visionary creative approach with practical, executable design solutions.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage projects, timelines, and stakeholder expectations effectively, even under pressure.
• A genuine passion for design's role in advancing understanding of critical sectors like technology, energy, and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Bonus Qualifications" section strongly implies desired competencies that go beyond the baseline requirements. These should be presented as preferred skills to encourage a wider pool of applicants while still highlighting key attributes. The requirement for "5-8 years" aligns with a mid-to-senior level designer who can operate autonomously and strategically.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that vividly demonstrates conceptual thinking, creative problem-solving, and the strategic application of visual design across various media.
• Evidence of successful brand stewardship, including examples of brand system development, guideline enforcement, and maintaining visual consistency across diverse projects.
• Case studies that highlight the process of translating complex technical or scientific information into clear, compelling visual narratives, showcasing the impact of design on communication objectives.
• Examples of digital asset creation for web, social media, or campaign purposes, demonstrating an understanding of platform-specific design best practices and user engagement.
• Showcase of experience in managing creative workflows, including project timelines, stakeholder feedback integration, and delivering high-quality assets under deadline pressure.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of how you approach creative project management, including outlining project phases, managing feedback loops, and ensuring timely delivery of design assets.
• Examples of how you ensure brand consistency, possibly through the creation or utilization of brand guidelines, style guides, or asset management systems.
• Documentation or case studies illustrating your process for conceptualizing and developing visual narratives from initial brief to final execution, particularly for complex subjects.
• Evidence of utilizing design software efficiently and effectively, including workflow optimization within tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a visual design role, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on showcasing not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, process management, and the ability to communicate complex ideas visually. This section aims to guide candidates on what constitutes a strong portfolio for this specific role, focusing on relevance to Oklo's mission and industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000 USD per year. Benefits:

• Flexible Time Off: Encourages work-life balance and allows employees to take time off as needed, subject to business requirements.
• Equity: Potential to own a stake in the company, aligning employee success with Oklo’s growth and achievements.
• Competitive Pay: A salary structure designed to be attractive within the industry and commensurate with experience and contribution.
• 401k: Retirement savings plan to help employees plan for their future financial security.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage to support employee well-being.
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Pre-tax savings for eligible healthcare or dependent care expenses.
• Flexible Work Hours: Options to adjust working hours to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity, supporting a dynamic work environment.

Working Hours: While specific hours are not detailed, "flexible work hours" are mentioned, suggesting a degree of autonomy. The role is likely based on a standard full-time workload (estimated at 40 hours per week) with flexibility in scheduling. Remote employees are required to travel to headquarters twice per quarter.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and allows for a clear understanding of compensation expectations. The benefits package is comprehensive and highlights aspects attractive to professionals in a startup environment, such as equity and flexible time off. The mention of travel for remote employees is crucial for setting expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Oklo operates in the advanced energy and nuclear technology sector, focusing on developing fast fission power plants, critical radioisotope supply chains, and nuclear fuel recycling. This is a highly technical, mission-driven, and regulated industry. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Oklo is described as a startup, suggesting a smaller, agile team with a fast-paced, iterative work environment. This implies a culture that values efficiency, direct communication, and less formal process than larger corporations. Founded: Oklo was founded with a clear vision to revolutionize energy production. Its history is marked by significant milestones, including obtaining a site use permit from the U.S. DOE, receiving fuel material from INL, and submitting a license application to the U.S. NRC, positioning it as a pioneering company in advanced nuclear technology.

Team Structure:

• The Visual Designer will likely be part of a Communications or Marketing team, working closely with content creators, subject matter experts, and leadership.
• Reporting structure is likely to be to a Communications Director or Head of Marketing, with significant collaboration across departments like Operations, Engineering, and Government Affairs.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, emphasized by the need to translate complex technical information and align visuals with diverse departmental messaging.

Methodology:

• Oklo's approach is characterized by innovation, pathfinding, and a strong focus on translating complex scientific and technical concepts into understandable narratives.
• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the nature of the technology and regulatory environment, though the Visual Designer's role will focus more on qualitative visual storytelling and strategic brand representation.
• Workflow optimization is a key aspect, especially for a startup, emphasizing efficiency and adaptability over rigid processes.

Company Website: https://www.oklo.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Oklo's industry (advanced energy/nuclear tech) is critical for a Visual Designer. It dictates the complexity of the subject matter and the need for credible, professional, and clear visual communication. The startup environment implies a culture that values proactivity, adaptability, and strong team collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for a mid-to-senior level Visual Designer, requiring 5-8 years of experience. It signifies an individual contributor role with significant autonomy and responsibility for the brand's visual direction. The emphasis on leading creative development and owning visual identity suggests a path towards becoming a Senior or Lead Visual Designer, or potentially a Creative Director role in a larger organization or as Oklo scales. Reporting Structure: The Visual Designer will likely report to a manager within the Communications or Marketing department. This individual will need to effectively collaborate with and influence stakeholders across various departments, including engineering, operations, and government affairs, demonstrating strong communication and presentation skills to gain buy-in for creative strategies. Operations Impact: The Visual Designer's impact extends beyond aesthetics; they are crucial in shaping public perception, communicating complex technical innovations, and reinforcing the company's credibility and mission. Effective visual storytelling can significantly influence investor relations, regulatory engagement, public understanding, and talent acquisition by making Oklo's vision tangible and compelling.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like motion graphics, video storyboarding, or advanced digital asset creation, driven by project needs and personal development goals.
• Strategic Brand Influence: Grow into a more strategic role, contributing to broader marketing and communications strategy, and potentially mentoring junior designers as the team expands.
• Industry Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of the nuclear energy sector, enhancing the ability to create relevant and impactful visuals for a highly specialized industry.
• Leadership Potential: As Oklo grows, there may be opportunities to lead design initiatives, manage external creative resources, or build out a design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the Visual Designer role within the context of career progression in the design field, particularly within a startup and a specialized industry. It highlights how the role's responsibilities contribute to broader business objectives and offers pathways for professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Oklo offers a hybrid work model. While the role can be performed remotely, there is a requirement for remote employees to travel to the Santa Clara, CA headquarters twice per quarter. This suggests a physical office space that serves as a hub for collaboration, team meetings, and company events. Office Location(s): The primary headquarters is in Santa Clara, CA. Remote work is also an option, indicating a distributed team structure. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is described as dynamic and fast-paced, characteristic of a startup environment. This implies an agile and adaptable setting where priorities can shift quickly.
• Collaboration is highly valued, with expectations for designers to work closely with various teams. This suggests an environment that encourages open communication and shared problem-solving.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology is assumed, with the role requiring proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and/or Figma.

Work Schedule: The mention of "flexible work hours" indicates a departure from traditional rigid schedules. While a standard full-time commitment is expected, employees may have some latitude in structuring their workday to optimize productivity and work-life balance, provided deadlines are met and collaboration is maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section clarifies the hybrid nature of the role and the expectation of occasional travel to headquarters. It sets the stage for the type of work environment—dynamic, collaborative, and flexible—that a candidate can expect at Oklo.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience alignment.
• Creative Assessment/Challenge: A design challenge may be presented, requiring the candidate to translate a complex Oklo-related concept into visual form or to critique and propose improvements for existing company materials. This assesses problem-solving and creative thinking under realistic project constraints.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Conversations with potential cross-functional collaborators (e.g., from Communications, Marketing, Operations) to evaluate communication style, collaboration aptitude, and ability to understand diverse perspectives.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, strategic thinking, portfolio projects, and cultural fit, focusing on how the candidate aligns with Oklo's values and startup ethos.
• Final Round: Potentially an interview with senior leadership to confirm strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Beyond aesthetics, demonstrate why design choices were made. Explain the problem, your approach, and the intended impact.
• Highlight Technical Translation: Include examples of how you simplified complex or technical information into clear, engaging visuals. For Oklo, this is paramount.
• Demonstrate Brand Stewardship: Present projects where you managed or evolved a brand identity, showing consistency and adherence to guidelines.
• Detail Workflow and Collaboration: Briefly explain your process for each project, including how you managed feedback and collaborated with others.
• Tailor to Oklo: If possible, include a mock design concept related to Oklo's mission or technology, demonstrating understanding and proactive engagement.
• Organize for Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, with clear project titles, descriptions, and high-quality visuals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Oklo's Mission: Research Oklo's technology, target audiences, and competitive landscape.
• Focus on Clarity and Credibility: For any design challenge, prioritize clear communication and a professional, credible aesthetic suitable for the energy technology sector.
• Show Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your thought process, design decisions, and any iterations.
• Manage Time Effectively: If given a time limit, allocate time for ideation, execution, and refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates navigating Oklo's application process, emphasizing the importance of a strategic portfolio and preparation for design challenges relevant to the company's specific industry and needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency is required, specifically:
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of fact sheets, reports, presentations, and marketing collateral.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
• Figma: Required or highly preferred for collaborative design workflows, prototyping, and potentially UI design for digital assets.
• Video Editing/Motion Graphics Software: Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects is a strong plus for supporting video production and animation storyboarding.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct requirement for the Visual Designer, understanding how visuals perform (e.g., engagement rates on social media, click-through rates on digital ads) can inform design decisions. Familiarity with analytics dashboards that track content performance would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the Visual Designer's core responsibilities, but understanding how marketing automation platforms are used for content distribution could be helpful. Integration tools are not relevant for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section clearly outlines the essential software tools required for the Visual Designer role, emphasizing the Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. The inclusion of video and motion graphics software as preferred skills highlights the evolving nature of visual communication in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: Oklo's core values are encapsulated in "#CHOP":

• Collaboration: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, active listening is practiced, and trust is built through transparency. This translates to working across disciplines and sharing ownership for collective success.
• Humility: Emphasizing teamwork and prioritizing the good of the company and the world over personal recognition. The focus is on the mission, not individual accolades.
• Ownership: Taking pride in work and its execution, being proactive in finding solutions, and seeing tasks through to completion. This reflects a commitment to delivering on promises, especially concerning clean energy provision.
• Pathfinding: Encouraging curiosity, courage, and creativity to navigate ambiguity and chart new territory where established paths do not exist. This speaks to an innovative and forward-thinking approach.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with various departments, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Process Review and Feedback: The culture values constructive feedback and iterative improvement, suggesting an open environment for design critiques and process refinements.
• Knowledge Sharing: In a startup, sharing knowledge and best practices is crucial for collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details Oklo's specific company values and how they translate into a collaborative work style. For a Visual Designer, understanding these values is key to cultural fit and effective contribution, especially the emphasis on pathfinding and collaboration in a technical field.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Concepts: A primary challenge will be to visually represent highly technical and scientific information related to nuclear energy and advanced reactor technology in a way that is accessible, engaging, and credible to diverse audiences (e.g., investors, regulators, the public).
• Startup Pace and Ambiguity: Operating in a fast-paced startup environment means dealing with shifting priorities, evolving project scopes, and potentially ambiguous requirements, demanding high adaptability and proactive problem-solving.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining a strong, consistent brand identity while also pushing creative boundaries and proposing novel visual solutions requires a delicate balance.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Gaining consensus and aligning visual strategies with stakeholders from technical, communications, marketing, and government affairs departments can be complex, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Industry Specialization: Gain in-depth knowledge of the advanced nuclear energy sector, becoming an expert in visually communicating its nuances and potential.
• Advanced Visual Storytelling: Develop advanced skills in narrative design, motion graphics, and video storyboarding, particularly for technical subjects.
• Strategic Brand Development: Contribute to and influence the broader strategic direction of Oklo's brand identity and communication efforts.
• Leadership and Mentorship: As the company grows, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers or lead specific design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a realistic outlook on the potential challenges of the role and highlights the growth avenues available, framing them within the context of the company's mission and industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a visual narrative to explain Oklo's fuel recycling process to a non-technical audience?" (Assesses ability to translate complex topics, strategic thinking)
• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it while maintaining creative integrity?" (Evaluates collaboration, negotiation, and problem-solving skills)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of communication materials, especially in a fast-paced environment?" (Tests understanding of brand stewardship and process management)
• "What are your strategies for staying innovative and proposing new visual ideas, particularly within a niche or technical industry like ours?" (Probes creativity, proactivity, and industry adaptability)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Oklo's values of Collaboration, Humility, Ownership, and Pathfinding resonate with your work style and professional philosophy?" (Assesses cultural fit and understanding of company ethos)
• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you thrive in a startup setting?" (Gauges adaptability and preference for fast-paced, less-structured environments)
• "How do you approach receiving and giving constructive feedback on creative work?" (Explores openness to iteration and team dynamics)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your strategic approach, the execution, and the resulting impact.
• Quantify Impact When Possible: If your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, clearer understanding), highlight these.
• Showcase Your Process: Be ready to discuss your ideation, sketching, wireframing, and iteration stages.
• Focus on Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas, manage brand identity, and work in a professional, technical context.
• Be Prepared for a Design Challenge: Practice translating a concept visually on the spot or within a given timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tailored interview preparation advice, including example questions that probe strategic thinking, cultural fit, and design process, specifically relevant to Oklo's industry and startup environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a compelling cover letter through the Oklo careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects that demonstrate your ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear visual narratives, your experience with brand identity management, and your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and/or Figma. Include case studies that detail your design process and problem-solving approach.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Visual Design," "Creative Direction," "Brand Stewardship," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Figma," "storytelling," and "collaboration." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design rationale, workflow, and how you embody Oklo's values. Prepare to discuss specific portfolio pieces in detail and be ready for a potential design challenge.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Oklo's mission, technology (fast fission power plants, fuel recycling), and recent news. Understand their target audience and the competitive landscape to better tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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