Our Team

OKAMOTO Structural Engineering takes pride in its exceptional service. In order to maintain a consistently high standard, our team comprises only accomplished professionals who are dedicated to realizing a client’s wishes. Each member of our team is a driven individual who is committed to providing the most comprehensive service in our industry.

OSE has been in business for over 30 years, and in that time has emerged as a leader in the engineering field. If you want expert opinions from a knowledgeable, experienced team of professionals with extensive track records, or if you need a hand on your next project, let us help you.

Click on any profile below to see the staff member’s full background (directory includes members of both Costa Mesa and San Pedro Offices).

John Cruikshank
Erich Axsom
Dorothy Chung
Xitong Zhu
Josie Biscocho
Felix Garcia
Clayton Mills
Jessica Ruiz
Deysi Menjivar
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John Cruikshank

PE, President & CEO

John Cruikshank is President & CEO of OKAMOTO Structural Engineering, a Costa Mesa firm founded in 1979.

Because of his involvement with hundreds of unique engineering projects, John leverages that experience to successfully support his client’s critical projects. His current responsibilities include corporate leadership, client relations, business development, community outreach, and project management. John started his career working for Caltrans (Los Angeles) then two civil engineering firms prior to running his own.

John attended the University of Southern California (USC) where he received his Bachelor of Science in Building Science in 1988. He became a Registered Civil Engineer in the State of California in 1993 and is a licensed professional engineer in more than 20 states. He obtained his Master of Science in Engineering Management from USC in 1994.

In addition to his 30 years in civil engineering, John is currently a Board Member and Past President of the Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce (HAIC) where he formed the HAIC Workforce Development Committee. In 2017, he was named a Fellow with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), awarded Alumni of Year from USC’s School of Civil Engineering, and elected as a City Councilmember for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. He is currently Mayor .

Professional Registrations
1993 / Registered Civil Engineer / California #C50792
2011 / Qualified SWPPP Developer & Practitioner / California #797

Professional Registrations

1993 / Registered Civil Engineer / California #C50792
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2011 / Qualified SWPPP Developer & Practitioner / California #797
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Erich Axsom

SE, Director of Operations

Erich Axsom, SE, Director of Operations

Erich Axsom has over 25 years in the structural engineering and construction industry. Erich has been involved in over a thousand structural projects with experience designing tilt-up warehouse buildings within southern & central California to soft-story retrofits throughout Los Angeles from inception to completion. His current responsibilities include overseeing all operational activities, on-boarding and developing all employees, reviewing budgets and finances, developing proposals, verifying deliverables meet client expectations, and following up on all opportunities.

Erich attended the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where he received his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering in 1992. He became a Registered Civil Engineer in the State of California in 1996, then a Registered Structural Engineer in 2000 and is a licensed professional engineer in 8 additional states. He obtained his Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado in 1999.

Professional Registrations
1996 / Registered Civil Engineer / California #C54854
2000 / Registered Structural Engineer / California #S4435

Dorothy Chung

PE, Project Engineer

Dorothy Chung is a Project Engineer at Okamoto Structural Engineering and is a recent addition to the team.  She holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (Structural Emphasis) from the University of Southern California and brings to the table 8 years of experience in residential projects.  Since joining the team, she has been making great strides towards expanding her engineering skillset and looks to learn even more.  Outside of work, she enjoys singing karaoke and spending time with loved ones.

Xitong Zhu

PE, Project Engineer

Xitong Zhu, PE, Project Engineer

Josie Biscocho

CAD Specialist

Josie Biscocho is a Senior CAD Specialist with Okamoto Structural Engineering and has been with the firm since 2000. She has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and with over 24 years’ experience in drafting she is highly competent and efficient in her position. Josie is very dedicated when it comes to meeting and exceeding deliverable deadlines and is a key player in the department.

Felix Garcia

CAD Technician

Felix Garcia is CAD Specialist with Okamoto Structural Engineering and brings over 15 years’ experience in structural CAD design and Architecture. He is a Navy veteran and was stationed in Guam where he repaired submarines. Felix has an AS degree in Architecture from Los Angeles Harbor College.

Clayton Mills

CAD Specialist

Clayton Mills has been a CAD Technician for over 10 years in the Structural Engineering realm. Clayton has a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Television Arts from California State University, Fullerton. Although highly trained in film Clayton has adapted his technical skills from Non-Linear Editing Platforms to CAD Design Software. Through the years Clayton has been a part of many different types of structural projects giving him a solid foundation for his experience to grow personally and professionally.

Jessica Ruiz

Office Manager

Jessica Ruiz’s positive personality and strong capabilities are why OSE is a service leader in the structural engineering industry.  Jessica is our Office Manager and has been a vital part of the company since 2007.  She runs our finance and HR departments: facilitating all critical company documents and preparing weekly and monthly invoicing. Using Deltek Vision, she works directly with the Operations Director and our Project Managers to review all new contracts for completeness, to process our vendor and subconsultant invoices, to enter work phases and tasks in our earned value (EV) management system, and to follow up when there is missing documentation.

Deysi Menjivar

Office Administrator

Deysi Menjivar recently joined the team in 2017. They say you only have one chance to make a great first impression, and when you contact Okamoto Structural Engineering you will be greeted by Deysi Menjivar our Office Administrator.