Mechanical Engineer (Levels III - V)

OKSI•Torrance, CA

7d•$120,000 - $229,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineer contributes to all phases of multiple projects, including concept, design, development, implementation, and revision, across technological fields such as autonomous command and control, object detection, scientific data analysis, real-time mission operations support, and optomechanical technologies. The role leads the design and optimization of mechanical systems and may serve as technical lead on high-impact projects, guiding project scope, task delegation, engineering deliverables, and the development of other engineers. The position leads technical problem-solving across mechanical, thermal, structural, and optical domains; collaborates with systems, optics, electrical, and software teams; and communicates with customers, executives, and other stakeholders. It oversees prototype development and testing, reviews engineering documentation, and promotes design and workflow improvements. The engineer also drives the transition from prototypes to production in collaboration with manufacturing, suppliers, and quality engineering. A bachelor's degree in a related field and at least six years of relevant work experience are required. A master's degree is preferred. The employee must have or be eligible to obtain a Department of Defense Secret clearance and be able to access classified information. Compensation is $120,000–$229,000 annually, with the level and suitable salary range determined closer to the offer stage based on experience and the interview process. Work is performed indoors in an office setting, with time at a desk and movement through office spaces in close proximity to others. Noise is moderate and typical of an office. The role interacts with staff at all levels and with vendors. Work hours are determined by business needs and may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. The position involves frequent repetitive hand motion and fine hand dexterity, and constant desk sitting, computer use, and keyboard and mouse use.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a field related to the technologies, such as physics or mechanical engineering.
At least 6 years of work experience in relevant technologies.
Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar.
Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, heat transfer, and materials science.
Strong understanding of manufacturing techniques.
Experience flying drones or ability to fly drones.
Computer or electronics assembly experience.
Knowledge of industry standards and regulations, such as ISO and ASME.
Basic machine shop experience, such as soldering, lathe, or mill work.
Project leadership experience from concept to completion, including prioritizing tasks, managing timelines, and meeting deadlines.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Self-motivated, with a strong desire to learn.
Ability to meet deadlines on individual tasks and manage multiple priorities using practical organizational and time-management skills.
Must have or be eligible to obtain a Department of Defense Secret clearance and be able to access classified information; inability to obtain a clearance makes the candidate ineligible.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related field.
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), optomechanical design, thermal management, lightweight structures, or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools.
Interest in tinkering with gadgets, particularly optical systems such as cameras and sensors, autonomous systems, and defense-related subjects.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and optimization of complex mechanical systems involving drones, seekers, optical assemblies, GPS antennas, computers, and power systems.
Apply CAD modeling, simulation, and analysis techniques to support system performance, reliability, and integration into multidisciplinary platforms.
Lead engineering projects by defining scopes, delegating tasks, and ensuring deliverables meet technical, cost, and schedule objectives.
Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers and encourage knowledge sharing and skill development.
Lead root cause analysis and resolution of critical design and manufacturing issues across mechanical, thermal, structural, and optical domains.
Evaluate tools, methods, and materials to improve system performance.
Coordinate with systems, optics, electrical, and software engineering disciplines; participate in executive-level reviews, contribute to proposals, and communicate technical concepts to varied audiences.
Oversee prototype development from concept through field deployment and define and execute validation plans, including structural, thermal, and dynamic testing.
Ensure testing aligns with program requirements and regulatory standards, and support hands-on test execution when needed.
Review and approve engineering documentation, drawings, bills of materials, test reports, and change notices; promote quality and traceability while ensuring alignment with internal standards, regulations, and ITAR/export compliance requirements.
Improve design practices, engineering tools, and product development workflows, including design for manufacturability and assembly.
Drive transition from engineering prototypes to full-scale production; work with manufacturing, suppliers, and quality engineering to validate processes, reduce lead times, and resolve fabrication or tolerance issues.
Participate in supplier qualification and technical negotiations as needed.