Electrical Engineer (Level III - Principal)

OKSI; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) seeks an Electrical Engineer to design and test rugged, embedded electronics for environmental and AI-powered applications. Responsibilities span from concept through release, with leadership of design workstreams and junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

The role emphasizes mixed-signal PCBs, embedded controllers, and sensor interfaces, collaborating with software teams to ensure hardware/firmware harmony and robust documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years in complex board design, testing, and debugging.
• Experience with outsourced design partners.
• SWaP-constrained embedded systems experience.
• Familiar with Ethernet, CAN, I2C, SPI, PCIe, USB, MIPI interfaces.
• Proficient with electronic CAD tools for design.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of complex electrical systems including mixed-signal PCBs.
• Integrate embedded processors, FPGAs, sensors, and power subsystems.
• Own design workstreams and provide technical guidance to juniors.
• Develop test procedures and lead lab validation activities.
• Collaborate with vendors on fabrication, assembly, and DFM.
• Evaluate new components to improve performance and manufacturability.
• Stay current with trends in embedded systems and rugged electronics.

Skills

Embedded systems

Power & signal integrity

PCB design

FPGAs

Microcontrollers

Communications interfaces

SWaP-aware design

Documentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ECAD tools

PCB design software

VHDL/Verilog

Job description

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds EO/IR sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation technology that give warfighters a decisive edge. We're a small, fast-moving team where your work reaches the field in months, not years.

The Role

The Electrical Engineer supports the design, development, and testing of cutting-edge environmental and AI-powered systems for both military and commercial use. OKSI is currently looking for applicants for levels II - Principal EE levels. Depending on the level an applicant falls into the compensation and tasks for the role may vary. The role focuses on assisting with the development of electronics for embedded systems and instrumentation, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and gaining hands‑on experience in ruggedized, miniaturized hardware systems. The position provides exposure to advanced technologies and real-world deployments in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.

Job Duties

• System Design & Architecture: Lead the design and development of complex electrical systems, including mixed‑signal PCBs, embedded controllers, and custom sensor interfaces. Architect low‑power, high‑reliability solutions for rugged and space‑constrained applications. Define electrical system requirements and validate hardware against functional, thermal, and EMI/EMC targets.
• Embedded & Sensor Integration: Integrate embedded processors, FPGAs, sensors, and power subsystems within multifunctional platforms. Work closely with software teams to ensure seamless communication between hardware and firmware.
• Project Execution & Technical Leadership: Own electrical design workstreams within multidisciplinary projects, from requirements through release. Provide technical guidance and task leadership to junior engineers and interns. Serve as a key contributor in design reviews, risk assessments, and trade studies.
• Testing, Debugging & Documentation: Develop test procedures and lead lab validation efforts, including thermal, vibration, and environmental testing. Conduct root cause analysis for design or deployment issues and implement corrective actions. Maintain complete documentation for designs, including schematics, BOMs, test data, and compliance reports.
• Manufacturing & Supply Chain Interface: Collaborate with vendors on PCB fabrication, assembly, and design for manufacturability (DFM). Assist in resolving production issues and managing obsolescence and lifecycle planning.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Evaluate and propose new components, tools, and methods to enhance performance, reduce cost, or improve manufacturability. Stay current with trends in embedded systems, component technologies, and rugged electronics design.
• Continuous Learning: Stay engaged with emerging technologies related to electronics, embedded systems, and AI applications. Seek mentorship and actively develop technical skillsets through project‑based learning.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent, along with 5+ years of experience in complex board design, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Proven experience in product development with outsource design and development partners.
• Expertise in embedded computing platforms with size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints.
• Familiarity with standard interfaces (Ethernet, CAN, I2C, SPI, PCIe, USB, MIPI) and various MCU, CPU, FPGA technologies.
• In‑depth knowledge of modern analog and digital electronics, electronic circuits, and design methodologies.
• Proficiency in electronic CAD tools for design.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Exceptional multitasking abilities and the capability to manage multiple concurrent projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in automotive, EV, AV, aerospace, or space industries.
• Familiarity with guidance and navigation technologies, inertial and magnetic sensors.
• Experience with optics and multispectral digital imaging systems.
• MIL‑STD or DO‑160 EMC design and test experience.
• Expertise in electronics design and testing for harsh environments.
• Knowledge of programmable logic design.
• Skills in signal integrity and power integrity design.
• Experience transitioning products into full production and shipping at scale.
• Low‑level firmware expertise, particularly for bring‑up and testing.
• Understanding of ITAR and export compliance.
• Possession of a DoD security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

Compensation

The range is $90k- $250k annually; depending on your experience and interview process we will determine the level and suitable salary range closer to offer stage

Typical Working Environment:

Work is performed indoors in an office setting, sitting at a desk and moving throughout the office space while performing work while in close proximity to others. Moderate noise levels consistent with an office environment; staff, phones, and collaborative dialogue. Possibility for occasional driving, as needed.

Equipment/Tools used:

Computer, Keyboard, Phone, Multifunction Printer/Copier, and other miscellaneous office equipment.

Interaction/Supervision:

Interact with all levels of staff.

Physical Demands:

Constantly (67%+): Sitting at a desk, working on a computer, using a keyboard and mouse.

Frequently (34-66%): Repetitive hand motion, fine dexterity of hands.

Occasionally (1% - 33%): Lift/carry/push/pull lift or move objects weighing up to 15 lbs.