Mechanical Engineer IV

Description About OKSI Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds electro-optical and infrared sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation solutions that support national security and defense missions. Our engineers work across the full lifecycle, from concept through fielded systems, on technologies like autonomous vehicle command and control, object detection, and real-time mission operations. Job Summary The Mechanical Engineer IV contributes to all aspects of multiple projects, concept, design, development, implementation, and revisions, across technologies including autonomous command and control, object detection, scientific data analysis, real-time mission operations, and optomechanical systems.

What You'll Do
Lead the design, development, and optimization of complex mechanical systems involving drones, seekers, optical assemblies, GPS antennas, computers, and power systems
Serve as technical lead on high-impact projects; define scope, delegate tasks, and mentor junior and mid-level engineers
Lead root cause analysis on critical design and manufacturing issues; evaluate new tools, methods, and materials
Act as a key liaison between mechanical engineering and other disciplines; contribute to proposals and communicate with customers and non-technical stakeholders
Oversee full-lifecycle prototype development, from concept through field deployment, including structural, thermal, and dynamic validation testing
Review and approve engineering documentation, drawings, BOMs, and test reports; ensure compliance with ASME, MIL-STD, and ITAR/export requirements
Drive continuous improvement in design practices and DFM/DFA across product lines
Drive design transition from engineering to full-scale production, including supplier qualification and technical negotiations
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field
6+ years of relevant work experience
Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar)
Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles (thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, heat transfer, materials science)
Strong understanding of manufacturing techniques
Knowledge of industry standards and regulations (ISO, ASME, etc.)
Experience leading projects from concept to completion, prioritizing tasks and managing timelines
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Nice to Have
Master's degree
Experience with FEA, optomechanical design, thermal management, lightweight structures, or CFD tools
Experience flying or able to fly drones
Computer/electronics assembly experience
Basic machine shop experience (soldering, lathe, mill, etc.)
Why OKSI?
See your work fielded fast. Get hands-on with hardware and watch it deployed to customers within months, not years.
Build next-generation defense technology. Our engineering work protects warfighters, reduces collateral damage, and safeguards civilians.
Speed and accuracy. We move quickly, and you'll see your work through from concept to deployment, not just one slice of the pipeline. No process bottlenecks; we move with speed and agility.
Flexible schedule. Working at OKSI gives you the opportunity to see your work come to fruition while still maintaining real work-life balance through our hybrid schedule options.
Professional growth. OKSI is expanding, which means faster-than-typical opportunities to advance your career.
Compensation and Benefits
$145,900 - $197,000 annually. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications and the budget allocated for this role.
Medical, dental, vision fully paid by the employer for the employee
Three weeks vacation
Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
Educational assistance
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.
1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR
here
.
We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.
This employer participates in E-Verify.