Electrical Engineer (Level II - Principal)

Opto-Knowledge Systems•Torrance, CA

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Electrical Engineer supports the design, development, and testing of environmental and AI-powered systems for military and commercial use. OKSI is hiring at levels II through Principal; compensation and responsibilities vary by level. The role focuses on electronics for embedded systems and instrumentation, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and hands-on work with ruggedized, miniaturized hardware systems in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. The position involves designing complex electrical systems, including mixed-signal PCBs, embedded controllers, and custom sensor interfaces; integrating embedded processors, FPGAs, sensors, and power subsystems; and owning electrical design workstreams from requirements through release. It also includes technical leadership, laboratory validation, troubleshooting, documentation, manufacturing and vendor coordination, and evaluating improvements to components, tools, and methods. The role is performed indoors in an office setting, with work at a desk and movement throughout the office, in proximity to others. Noise is moderate and consistent with an office environment. Occasional driving may be needed. Work hours are those necessary to meet business needs and complete job duties, and may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. The stated annual compensation range is $90,000–$250,000, depending on level, experience, and the interview process.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent.
At least 5 years of experience in complex board design, testing, and troubleshooting.
Proven product-development experience with outsourced design and development partners.
Experience with embedded computing platforms under size, weight, and power constraints.
Familiarity with standard interfaces including Ethernet, CAN, I2C, SPI, PCIe, USB, and MIPI, and with various MCU, CPU, and FPGA technologies.
In-depth knowledge of modern analog and digital electronics, electronic circuits, and design methodologies.
Proficiency with electronic CAD tools for design.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to multitask and manage multiple concurrent projects.
U.S. Person status (citizen or permanent resident).

Nice To Haves

Background in automotive, EV, AV, aerospace, or space industries.
Familiarity with guidance and navigation technologies, inertial sensors, and magnetic sensors.
Experience with optics and multispectral digital imaging systems.
MIL-STD or DO-160 EMC design and test experience.
Experience designing and testing electronics for harsh environments.
Knowledge of programmable logic design.
Skills in signal integrity and power integrity design.
Experience transitioning products into full production and shipping at scale.
Low-level firmware expertise, particularly for bring-up and testing.
Understanding of ITAR and export compliance.
DoD security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of complex electrical systems, including mixed-signal PCBs, embedded controllers, and custom sensor interfaces.
Architect low-power, high-reliability solutions for rugged and space-constrained applications.
Define electrical system requirements and validate hardware against functional, thermal, and EMI/EMC targets.
Integrate embedded processors, FPGAs, sensors, and power subsystems within multifunctional platforms.
Coordinate with software teams to ensure seamless communication between hardware and firmware.
Own electrical design workstreams within multidisciplinary projects, from requirements through release.
Provide technical guidance and task leadership to junior engineers and interns.
Contribute to design reviews, risk assessments, and trade studies.
Develop test procedures and lead laboratory validation, including thermal, vibration, and environmental testing.
Conduct root cause analysis for design or deployment issues and implement corrective actions.
Maintain design documentation, including schematics, bills of materials, test data, and compliance reports.
Collaborate with vendors on PCB fabrication, assembly, and design for manufacturability.
Assist with production issues, obsolescence, and lifecycle planning.
Evaluate and propose components, tools, and methods to improve performance, reduce cost, or enhance manufacturability.
Keep current with developments in embedded systems, component technologies, rugged electronics, and electronics, embedded systems, and AI applications.
Develop technical skills through mentorship and project-based learning.