Mechanical Engineer IV

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

About OKSI

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds electro-optical and infrared sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation solutions that support national security and defense missions. Our engineers work across the full lifecycle, from concept through fielded systems, on technologies like autonomous vehicle command and control, object detection, and real-time mission operations.

Description

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds electro-optical and infrared sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation solutions that support national security and defense missions. Our engineers work across the full lifecycle, from concept through fielded systems, on technologies like autonomous vehicle command and control, object detection, and real-time mission operations.

Job Summary

The Mechanical Engineer IV contributes to all aspects of multiple projects, concept, design, development, implementation, and revisions, across technologies including autonomous command and control, object detection, scientific data analysis, real-time mission operations, and optomechanical systems.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of complex mechanical systems involving drones, seekers, optical assemblies, GPS antennas, computers, and power systems
• Serve as technical lead on high-impact projects; define scope, delegate tasks, and mentor junior and mid-level engineers
• Lead root cause analysis on critical design and manufacturing issues; evaluate new tools, methods, and materials
• Act as a key liaison between mechanical engineering and other disciplines; contribute to proposals and communicate with customers and non-technical stakeholders
• 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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or a 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)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing techniques
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations (ISO, ASME, etc.)
• Experience leading projects from concept to completion, prioritizing tasks and managing timelines
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Nice to Have

• Master's degree
• Experience with FEA, optomechanical design, thermal management, lightweight structures, or CFD tools
• Experience flying or able to fly drones
• Computer/electronics assembly experience
• Basic machine shop experience (soldering, lathe, mill, etc.)

Why OKSI?

• See your work fielded fast. Get hands-on with hardware and watch it deployed to customers within months, not years.
• Build next-generation defense technology. Our engineering work protects warfighters, reduces collateral damage, and safeguards civilians.
• Speed and accuracy. We move quickly, and you'll see your work through from concept to deployment, not just one slice of the pipeline. No process bottlenecks; we move with speed and agility.
• Flexible schedule. Working at OKSI gives you the opportunity to see your work come to fruition while still maintaining real work-life balance through our hybrid schedule options.
• Professional growth. OKSI is expanding, which means faster-than-typical opportunities to advance your career.

Compensation And Benefits

• $145,900 - $197,000 annually. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications and the budget allocated for this role.
• Medical, dental, vision fully paid by the employer for the employee
• Three weeks vacation
• Automatic company contribution to 401K - 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
• Educational assistance

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process. This employer participates in E-Verify.