Production/Manufacturing Technician III

Socket.dev; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Three weeks vacation

Automatic 401(k) contribution

Educational assistance

Job summary

OKSI (Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc.) is seeking a Production/Manufacturing Technician III to support fabrication, assembly, testing, inventory, and shipment of hardware systems, including drones and optical/electronic housings. You will handle complex builds, troubleshoot, mentor junior technicians, and help shape process improvements as we scale.

The role requires reading mechanical drawings and BOMs, hands-on assembly, and comfort with evolving work instructions.

Qualifications

• Ability to read mechanical drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Hands-on experience assembling and troubleshooting mechanical and/or electronic systems.
• Comfortable working from ambiguous or incomplete instructions on complex builds.
• Familiarity with basic shop tools (torque drivers, calipers, soldering irons).
• Understanding of ESD safety and cleanroom/bench practices.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities independently.
• 4-6 years of manufacturing, prototyping, or technical assembly experience.

Responsibilities

• Procure parts and maintain accurate inventory of mechanical, electrical, and optical components.
• Assemble and troubleshoot complex systems, often working from evolving work instructions, and lead revisions to those instructions.
• Run test procedures and inspections on subassemblies and full systems, document results, and drive root-cause resolution.
• Package, label, and ship finished hardware following proper handling protocols.
• Partner directly with engineers on build requirements, design-for-manufacturability feedback, and early-stage prototype decisions.
• Mentor and provide hands-on guidance to junior technicians on the floor.
• Maintain inventory logs, assembly records, and test documentation.
• Lead workflow improvement efforts, identifying inefficiencies and driving changes to safety and productivity.

Skills

Reading drawings

Assembly troubleshooting

Ambiguous builds

Shop tools

ESD safety/cleanroom

Attention to detail

Manufacturing/assembly experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

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 looking for a Production/Manufacturing Technician III to support the fabrication, assembly, testing, inventory, and shipment of hardware systems across our programs, including drones, optical assemblies, and electronic housings. You'll take on the more complex builds and troubleshooting, mentor junior technicians, and help shape process improvement as we scale.

What You'll Do

• Procure parts and maintain accurate inventory of mechanical, electrical, and optical components
• Assemble and troubleshoot complex systems, often working from ambiguous or evolving work instructions, and lead revisions to those instructions
• Run test procedures and inspections on subassemblies and full systems, documenting results and driving root-cause resolution on issues
• Package, label, and ship finished hardware, following proper handling protocols
• Partner directly with engineers on build requirements, design-for-manufacturability feedback, and early-stage prototype decisions
• Mentor and provide hands-on guidance to junior technicians on the floor
• Maintain inventory logs, assembly records, and test documentation
• Lead workflow improvement efforts, identifying inefficiencies and driving changes to safety and productivity

Requirements

• Ability to read mechanical drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation
• Strong hands-on experience assembling and troubleshooting mechanical and/or electronic systems
• Comfortable working from ambiguous or incomplete instructions on complex builds
• Familiarity with basic shop tools (torque drivers, calipers, soldering irons)
• Understanding of ESD safety and cleanroom/bench practices
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities independently
• 4-6 years of manufacturing, prototyping, or technical assembly experience

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
• Prior experience mentoring or informally leading other technicians

Compensation & Benefits

• $24.00 - $32.00 hourly with new hires typically starting between range minimum and midpoint based on qualifications and budget.
• Medical, dental, and vision fully paid for employees
• Three weeks of vacation
• Automatic 401(k) contribution, 5% of earned wages (no match required)
• Educational assistance

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.

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.