Mechanical Engineer IV in Torrance

Energy Jobline ZR; Torrance (CA); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

OKSI in Torrance, CA, seeks a Mechanical Engineer IV to contribute across concept, design, development, implementation, and revisions of advanced mechanical systems, including drones, optical assemblies, GPS antennas, and power systems.

You will lead projects, mentor junior engineers, perform root-cause analysis, ensure DFMA, and coordinate with customers and other disciplines through full lifecycle from concept to field deployment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or related field.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Project leadership

Problem solving

Team mentoring

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Master's degree

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

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 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

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- 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. or , (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent (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 , , , , , , , 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.