What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Prototyping Technician position at Ocean Power Technologies Inc?
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 floors
Qualifications:
Required:
- US citizenship
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in fabrication, prototyping, or mechanical build environments
- Strong hands-on skills with small hand tools and power tools
- Proficiency with mills, grinders, saws, drill presses, and general shop equipment
- Experience operating heavy machinery, such as forklifts
- Ability to work with a wide range of raw materials (aluminum, steel, plastics, wood, composites) to build functional systems and prototypes
- Experience assembling and troubleshooting mechanical systems; basic familiarity with low-voltage electrical systems
- Ability to interpret CAD drawings and translate concepts into physical builds
- Ability to work on and around boats and docks
- Ability to work with minimal direction while knowing when to ask for input or support
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, iterative environment without sacrificing quality
- Positive, hardworking attitude with strong teamwork and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to work overtime as needed to meet critical build and deployment deadlines
Desired:
- 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 labs
Ocean 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 potential
- Restricted Stock Awards
Benefits include:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- 401(k)
Salary : $36 - $40