Job Title: Mechanical Prototyping Technician
Location: On-Site – Richmond, CA
Reports to: Director of Prototyping & Manufacturing Integration
About Us:
Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPT) provides intelligent maritime solutions and services that enable safer, cleaner, and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and research, and offshore wind markets, including Merrows™, which provides AI-capable seamless integration of Maritime Domain Awareness Systems across platforms. Our PowerBuoy® platforms provide clean and reliable electric power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea applications. We also provide WAM-V® unmanned surface vehicles (USV’s) and marine robotics services. The Company’s headquarters is located in Monroe Township, New Jersey with an additional office in Richmond, California.
The Role:
We are seeking a Mechanical Prototyping Technician who is fundamentally a builder and fabricator – someone who thrives on turning concepts into physical reality. This role is ideal for a hands-on “maker” with strong intuition for how things go together, and the ability to iterate quickly on prototype builds. The ideal candidate enjoys working with their hands, fabricating parts, modifying assemblies, and improving designs in real time. You are comfortable working from detailed CAD drawings as well as rough concepts, and you take pride in bringing early-stage prototypes to life through practical problem-solving and craftsmanship. This role requires a self-starter who can operate with minimal direction, while collaborating closely with engineers in a fast-paced, highly iterative prototyping environment. You should be adaptable, resourceful, and energized by building things that operate in demanding marine environments. Your work will directly contribute to the development of next-generation marine robotics systems and play a key role in advancing ocean-based technologies that address critical global challenges.
Responsibilities:
Under the Director of Prototyping & Manufacturing Integration, you will be part of the prototyping team and work closely with the engineering team. Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:
Build and assemble prototype mechanical systems for WAM-V® platforms, PowerBuoy® systems, and related components from both detailed CAD drawings and conceptual designs Fabricate, modify, and fit components using a variety of materials (metals, plastics, composites, wood, etc.) Build custom jigs, fixtures, and test setups to support rapid prototyping and validation Perform hands-on iteration and rework of assemblies to improve performance, fit, and durability Perform QC on 3rd party and in-house components and assemblies Test and troubleshoot mechanical and low-voltage electrical systems Assist in updates to QA program and documentation; follow manufacturing best practices for marine and robotic systems Assist with maintenance and improvements associated with ISO requirements Design, set up, and maintain prototyping workstations, tools, and fabrication areas Maintain, clean, and organize production and prototyping floorsQualifications:
Required:
US citizenshipMinimum 3 years of hands-on experience in fabrication, prototyping, or mechanical build environmentsStrong hands-on skills with small hand tools and power toolsProficiency with mills, grinders, saws, drill presses, and general shop equipmentExperience operating heavy machinery, such as forkliftsAbility to work with a wide range of raw materials (aluminum, steel, plastics, wood, composites) to build functional systems and prototypesExperience assembling and troubleshooting mechanical systems; basic familiarity with low-voltage electrical systemsAbility to interpret CAD drawings and translate concepts into physical buildsAbility to work on and around boats and docksAbility to work with minimal direction while knowing when to ask for input or supportAbility to work in a fast-paced, iterative environment without sacrificing qualityPositive, hardworking attitude with strong teamwork and problem-solving skillsWillingness to work overtime as needed to meet critical build and deployment deadlinesDesired:
Experience with electromechanical system assembly and integration TIG or MIG welding experience, particularly with aluminum Experience working on marine systems, robotics, or outdoor-deployed hardware Familiarity with prototyping environments or R&D labsOcean Power Technologies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
Salary range is $36 - $40 per hour and includes the following:
Bonus potentialRestricted Stock AwardsBenefits include:
MedicalDentalVisionLife InsuranceDisability Insurance401(k) Read Less