Lead Mechanical Engineer - Drones & Optomechanical Systems

OKSI; Torrance (CA); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule options

Medical, dental, vision fully paid

Three weeks vacation

Automatic 401K contributions

Job summary

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds electro-optical and infrared sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling solutions for national security and defense tasks.

The Mechanical Engineer IV contributes across concept, design, development, and field deployment in technologies like autonomous command and control and optomechanical systems. You will lead complex mechanical designs, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance with ASME, MIL-STD, and ITAR; fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics or related field.
• 6+ years of relevant work experience.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar).
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles (thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, heat transfer, materials science).
• Experience leading projects from concept to completion, prioritizing tasks and managing timelines.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations (ISO, ASME, etc.).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of complex mechanical systems (drones, seekers, optical assemblies, GPS antennas, computers, power systems).
• Serve as technical lead on high-impact projects; define scope, delegate tasks, mentor junior/mid-level engineers.
• Lead root cause analysis on critical design/manufacturing issues; evaluate new tools, methods, materials.
• Act as liaison between mechanical engineering and other disciplines; contribute to proposals and communicate with customers.
• Oversee full-lifecycle prototype development, from concept through field deployment, including structural, thermal, and dynamic validation testing.
• Review and approve engineering documentation, drawings, BOMs, and test reports; ensure compliance with ASME, MIL-STD, and ITAR/export requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in design practices and DFM/DFA across product lines.
• Drive design transition from engineering to full-scale production, including supplier qualification and technical negotiations.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Mechanical fundamentals

Leadership

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds electro-optical and infrared sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling solutions for national security and defense tasks.

The Mechanical Engineer IV contributes across concept, design, development, and field deployment in technologies like autonomous command and control and optomechanical systems. You will lead complex mechanical designs, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance with ASME, MIL-STD, and ITAR; fast-paced,