Production Leader

Job Description

Job Description

OKSI is seeking a hands-on Production Lead to coordinate daily manufacturing activities and support the assembly, inspection, and testing of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) seekers and related hardware.

This position combines technical proficiency with floor leadership. You will help technicians execute electrical, optical, and mechanical assembly work, maintain production discipline, and resolve issues alongside engineering and quality personnel. You will remain actively involved in builds while helping the team meet workmanship, documentation, and delivery requirements.

Responsibilities

• Organize daily production assignments according to build priorities, technician qualifications, material availability, and equipment readiness.
• Perform and support complex electrical, optical, and mechanical assembly using approved drawings, bills of materials, and work instructions.
• Verify that technicians have the correct documentation, parts, tooling, and training before beginning assigned work.
• Train and mentor technicians; identify skill gaps and support cross-training across production tasks.
• Monitor build progress, communicate schedule risks, and escalate material shortages, equipment problems, and quality concerns promptly.
• Serve as the first point of contact for routine production questions and coordinate technical resolution with engineering and quality.
• Maintain accurate build travelers, inspection records, test results, and component traceability.
• Identify nonconforming hardware, protect affected material from unintended use, and coordinate authorized disposition and rework.
• Help improve work instructions, workstation organization, tooling, and assembly consistency through the established change-control process.
• Maintain ESD protection, optical cleanliness, foreign object debris prevention, tool control, and safe work practices.
• Track practical production measures, including completed builds, first-pass acceptance, rework, and recurring causes of delay.
• Support production readiness for new builds and provide feedback on staffing, equipment, training, and material needs.
  

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Seven or more years of relevant experience in precision manufacturing, electronics assembly, optical assembly, or electromechanical integration.
• At least two years of experience leading, training, or coordinating technicians.
• Strong hands-on proficiency in electrical and mechanical assembly, with experience handling sensitive components.
• Ability to interpret assembly drawings, wiring diagrams, bills of materials, and controlled work instructions.
• Experience using precision hand tools, inspection equipment, and basic electrical test equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot production discrepancies and communicate findings clearly.
• Experience maintaining manufacturing records and working within defined quality procedures.
• Ability to balance hands-on work with daily coordination, mentoring, and follow-through.
• Availability to work full-time on-site in Torrance.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with EO/IR systems, cameras, optical instruments, or comparable precision hardware.
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Relevant soldering, cable/harness, or electronics workmanship training and certifications.
• Experience with ERP systems, electronic travelers, production tracking, and inventory transactions.
• Experience supporting initial builds, technician qualification, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Technical school, apprenticeship, associate degree, or relevant military technical training.
  

Why Work at OKSI?

At OKSI, you will help shape how advanced hardware gets built. Your technical judgment, workmanship, and ability to develop others will directly influence production quality and delivery.

• Lead through hands-on expertise. Stay close to the hardware while helping technicians succeed.
• Make practical improvements. Work directly with engineering and quality to address recurring production problems.
• Build meaningful technology. Contribute to sensing systems that support U.S. national security and service members.
• Grow your capabilities. Expand your experience across precision assembly, testing, and manufacturing leadership.