Mechanical Engineer (Levels III - V)

Opto-Knowledge Systems•Torrance, CA

7d•$120,000 - $229,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineer contributes to projects across concept, design, development, implementation, and revision in technological fields including autonomous command and control, object detection, scientific data analysis, real-time mission operations support, and optomechanical technologies. The role leads complex mechanical design and analysis, project execution, troubleshooting, prototyping and testing, documentation, continuous improvement, and transition from prototypes to production. The position works with multidisciplinary engineering teams, manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders, and may require access to classified information.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the technologies, such as physics or mechanical engineering.
At least 6 years of working experience in relevant technologies.
Proficiency with 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.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Experience leading projects from concept to completion, prioritizing tasks, managing timelines, and meeting deadlines.
Self-motivated, with a strong desire to learn.
Ability to meet individual-task deadlines and manage multiple tasks and 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.
Experience flying drones or ability to fly drones.
Experience assembling computers or electronics.
Knowledge of industry standards and regulations, such as ISO and ASME.
Basic machine-shop experience, such as soldering and using a lathe or mill.
Willingness to work the hours necessary to meet business needs; work may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
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, including systems involving drones, seekers, optical assemblies, GPS antennas, computers, and power systems.
Use CAD modeling, simulation, and analysis to support performance, reliability, and integration within multidisciplinary platforms.
Lead high-impact engineering projects by defining scope, delegating tasks, and ensuring deliverables meet technical, cost, and schedule objectives.
Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and support 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; participate in executive-level reviews; contribute to proposals; and communicate technical concepts to customers and other audiences.
Oversee prototype development from concept through field deployment and define and execute validation plans, including structural, thermal, and dynamic testing.
Ensure test methods and results align 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; ensure alignment with internal standards, industry regulations, and ITAR/export compliance requirements.
Improve documentation quality and traceability across engineering systems.
Improve design practices, engineering tools, and product development workflows, including design for manufacturability and assembly.
Drive transition from engineering prototypes to full-scale production; collaborate 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.