Position Overview

OKSI is seeking an Electrical Engineer III to serve as a technical contributor and subsystem lead in the development of ruggedized, AI-integrated electronics for defense and environmental science applications. This role involves full ownership of hardware design efforts — including circuit architecture, embedded integration, testing, and field validation — while ensuring high reliability, compact form factors, and compliance with industry standards. This position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams and includes mentoring early-career engineers and identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

 What You Will Do

• Lead the design and development of complex electrical systems, including mixed-signal PCBs, embedded controllers, and custom sensor interfaces for AI-integrated defense and environmental science applications
• Architect low-power, high-reliability solutions for rugged and space-constrained platforms such as munition seekers, UAS payloads, and environmental sensor packages
• 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, working closely with software teams on hardware/firmware communication
• Own electrical design workstreams within multidisciplinary projects, from requirements through production release
• Provide hands-on technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and interns, including lab and bench support
• Serve as a key technical contributor in design reviews, risk assessments, and trade studies
• Develop test procedures and lead lab validation efforts, including thermal, vibration, and environmental testing
• Conduct root cause analysis for design or deployment issues and implement corrective actions
• Maintain complete documentation for designs, including schematics, BOMs, test data, and compliance reports
• Collaborate with vendors on PCB fabrication, assembly, and design for manufacturability (DFM); assist in resolving production issues and managing component obsolescence and lifecycle planning
• Evaluate and propose new components, tools, and methods to enhance performance, reduce cost, or improve manufacturability
• Stay current with trends in embedded systems, rugged electronics design, and AI/ML hardware integration

What You Will Need

• Strong working knowledge of low-power design, sensor integration, and signal conditioning
• Familiarity with compliance standards (e.g., MIL-STD-461, IPC-610, ISO, ITAR/EAR)
• Proficiency in lab testing, debugging, and root cause analysis using industry-standard tools
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering tasks independently and drive results across multiple stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, solution-oriented mindset
• Experience mentoring or technically guiding less-experienced engineers
• This role requires being in-office (Torrance, CA)

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in munition systems, guided weapons, drone/UAS, or robotics—domains where hardware reliability is mission-critical
• Experience in aerospace, defense electronics, hypersonics, or space systems
• Familiarity with guidance and navigation technologies, including inertial and magnetic sensors
• Experience with optics, EO/IR, and multispectral digital imaging systems
• MIL-STD or DO-160 EMC design and test experience
• Expertise in electronics design and testing for harsh environments (shock, vibration, thermal extremes)
• Knowledge of programmable logic design (FPGA/CPLD)
• Signal integrity and power integrity design skills
• Experience transitioning products from prototype into full production
• Low-level firmware expertise, particularly for hardware bring-up and testing
• Understanding of ITAR and export compliance requirements
• Active DoD security clearance or eligibility to obtain one

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $105,750 – $143,073 annually. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid by the employer for employees
• Three weeks of vacation to start
• Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities
• This role requires being in-office (Torrance, CA)

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. The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R.

This employer participates in E-Verify.