Production/Manufacturing Technician

OKSI; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 57,859,000 - 99,187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision fully paid

Three weeks of vacation

401(k) contribution 5%

Educational assistance

Job summary

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) is seeking Production/Manufacturing Technicians across levels I–V to support fabrication, assembly, testing, inventory, and shipment of hardware systems such as drones and optical/electronic housings.

You’ll work hands-on in a fast-paced production environment with opportunities to influence process improvements as we scale. The role involves following detailed work instructions, collaborating with engineers on build requirements, and maintaining accurate

Qualifications

• Read mechanical drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Hands-on experience assembling mechanical and/or electronic systems.
• Familiarity with basic shop tools (torque drivers, calipers, soldering irons).
• Understanding of ESD safety and cleanroom/bench practices.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Experience ranges from 0 years (level I) up to 10 years of progressive technical program management experience (level V), preferably in defense and aerospace.

Responsibilities

• Procure parts and maintain accurate inventory of mechanical, electrical, and optical components.
• Assemble systems following detailed work instructions, and help improve those instructions over time.
• Run test procedures and inspections on subassemblies and full systems, documenting results and escalating issues.
• Package, label, and ship finished hardware, following proper handling protocols.
• Partner with engineers on build requirements and design-for-manufacturability feedback.
• Support prototype builds, keeping parts and workspaces organized.
• Maintain inventory logs, assembly records, and test documentation.
• Flag workflow inefficiencies and contribute ideas to improve safety and productivity.

Skills

Read drawings/BOMs/tech docs

Hands-on assembly

Shop tools familiarity

ESD & cleanroom practices

Detail-oriented

Education

High school diploma or GED

Trade/technical education a plus

Tools

Torque drivers

Calipers

Soldering irons

Job description

About OKSI

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) is an aerospace and defense contractor delivering advanced engineering solutions across electro-optical/infrared systems, autonomy, and airborne platforms. We partner with the Department of Defense and prime contractors on programs that push the boundaries of what's technically possible.

The Role

OKSI is hiring Production/Manufacturing Technicians across our full career ladder, from entry-level through senior, support the fabrication, assembly, testing, inventory, and shipment of hardware systems across our programs, including drones, optical assemblies, and electronic housings. You'll work hands‑on in a fast‑paced production environment with real opportunities to shape process improvement as we scale.

What You'll Do

• Procure parts and maintain accurate inventory of mechanical, electrical, and optical components


• Assemble systems following detailed work instructions, and help improve those instructions over time


• Run test procedures and inspections on subassemblies and full systems, documenting results and escalating issues


• Package, label, and ship finished hardware, following proper handling protocols


• Partner with engineers on build requirements and design-for-manufacturability feedback


• Support prototype builds, keeping parts and workspaces organized


• Maintain inventory logs, assembly records, and test documentation


• Flag workflow inefficiencies and contribute ideas to improve safety and productivity

Requirements

Required Qualifications (varies by level, I through V)

• Ability to read mechanical drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation


• Hands‑on experience assembling mechanical and/or electronic systems


• Familiarity with basic shop tools (torque drivers, calipers, soldering irons)


• Understanding of ESD safety and cleanroom/bench practices


• Detail‑oriented, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities


• Experience ranges from 0 years (level I) up to 10 years of progressive technical program management experience (level V), preferably in defense and aerospace.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; trade/technical education a plus


• Experience with inventory tracking systems or ERP platforms


• Familiarity with QA standards and inspection processes


• Machining experience (lathe, mill) a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision fully paid for employees


• Three weeks of vacation


• Company 401(k) contribution, 5% of earned wages (no match required)


• Educational assistance


• Production/Manufacturing Technician I: $18.00 - $24.00


• Production/Manufacturing Technician II: $21.00 - $29.00


• Production/Manufacturing Technician III: $24.00 - $34.00


• Production/Manufacturing Technician IV: $28.00 - $40.00


• Production/Manufacturing Technician V: $33.00 – $48.00

Why OKSI?

• See your work fielded fast, from concept to deployment in months, not years


• Build defense technology that protects warfighters and civilians


• Move quickly with real ownership, not just one slice of the pipeline


• Grow your career faster as we scale

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or eligible to obtain the required State Department authorization.

Learn more about ITAR.

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

This employer participates in E-Verify.