Mechanical Engineering Manager

About Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) develops advanced sensing, imaging, and artificial intelligence technologies supporting aerospace, defense, and scientific applications. Our teams combine engineering, optics, and machine learning expertise to deliver innovative solutions to complex technical challenges.

Description OKSI is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead and grow our mechanical engineering team while supporting the design and development of advanced aerospace and optomechanical systems. This role oversees mechanical design activities across multiple programs and works closely with electrical, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to ensure successful product development and integration.

Position Overview This position is both technical and managerial, requiring strong leadership capabilities along with hands‑on experience in mechanical design, analysis, and product development.

• Lead and manage the mechanical engineering team including mentoring, performance development, and technical guidance
• Oversee mechanical engineering activities across multiple programs to ensure quality, schedule, and technical objectives are met
• Support the design and development of mechanical systems including UAS components, avionics housings, and optomechanical assemblies
• Collaborate with electrical, software, systems, and manufacturing teams to ensure effective system integration
• Guide mechanical analysis including stress, thermal, vibration, and fatigue evaluations
• Support prototype development, testing, and design validation activities
• Oversee configuration management, design documentation, and lifecycle tracking within PLM systems
• Coordinate with supply chain and manufacturing teams to support BOM development, sourcing considerations, and production readiness
• Participate in technical reviews, design discussions, and customer briefings as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Minimum 15 years of mechanical engineering experience
• Minimum 5 years of engineering leadership or management experience
• Strong experience with Solid Works or similar mechanical CAD tools
• Experience with mechanical analysis tools such as FEA or CFD
• Experience with PLM systems, configuration management, and design documentation
• Strong understanding of design for manufacturability and design for assembly practices
• Experience managing complex engineering projects from concept through delivery
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to guide cross functional teams

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or UAS programs
• Experience integrating avionics or payload systems into aircraft or drone platforms
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards such as AS9100 or MIL standards
• Experience working in export controlled or ITAR regulated environments
• Experience with Agile development environments or sprint based engineering workflows

• Full-time position
• Onsite or hybrid, depending on location and business needs
• Standard business hours

• Salary range: $117,666 - $201,950 annually.
• 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
• In-office (St. Petersburg, FL or Torrance, CA) or remote work (United States) available (position dependent)

• You must have, or be eligible to obtain, a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance. You will be subject to government security investigations and must be able to access classified information. The inability to obtain a security clearance will result in you being ineligible for the position.

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.