Mechanical Prototyping Technician

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Prototyping Technician

Company: Ocean Power Technologies Inc

Location: Richmond, California, US

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-16T22:02:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the hands-on fabrication and assembly of mechanical prototypes for advanced maritime solutions, including unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and power generation buoys.

• The position requires a strong aptitude for turning engineering concepts and CAD designs into tangible, functional hardware in a dynamic R&D and prototyping environment.

• Key responsibilities involve operating various shop equipment, modifying components, and performing quality control checks to ensure prototype integrity and performance.

• This is a crucial role in bringing next-generation ocean technologies to life, demanding practical problem-solving, adaptability, and a commitment to craftsmanship in demanding marine applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Mechanical Prototyping Technician," the context provided by the company description ("intelligent maritime solutions," "PowerBuoy® platforms," "WAM-V® unmanned surface vehicles") indicates a strong connection to the engineering and manufacturing operations side of a technology company, particularly within the marine and energy sectors. The emphasis on "building and fabricating" and "turning concepts into physical reality" highlights the practical, hands-on nature of the role within an operational framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prototype Assembly & Fabrication: Build, assemble, and modify prototype mechanical systems for WAM-V® platforms, PowerBuoy® systems, and related components, utilizing detailed CAD drawings and conceptual designs.

• Material Handling & Machining: Fabricate and modify components using a diverse range of materials including metals (aluminum, steel), plastics, composites, and wood, employing proficiency with mills, grinders, saws, drill presses, and general shop equipment.

• Tooling & Fixture Development: Construct custom jigs, fixtures, and specialized test setups to facilitate rapid prototyping, validation, and iterative design improvements.

• Quality Assurance & Iteration: Perform hands-on rework and iteration of assemblies to enhance performance, fit, and durability; conduct quality control (QC) checks on both third-party and in-house components and assemblies.

• System Testing & Troubleshooting: Test and troubleshoot mechanical systems, with a basic familiarity in diagnosing issues within low-voltage electrical systems.

• Documentation & Process Improvement: Assist in updating the Quality Assurance (QA) program and documentation, adhering to manufacturing best practices for marine and robotic systems, and supporting maintenance related to ISO requirements.

• Workstation & Facility Management: Design, set up, and maintain prototyping workstations, tools, and fabrication areas; ensure the cleanliness and organization of production and prototyping floors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are highly specific to a hands-on technical role within an engineering and manufacturing context. The emphasis on "WAM-V® platforms, PowerBuoy® systems" and "marine robotics" grounds these responsibilities within the company's core product lines. The mention of "ISO requirements" and "QA program" indicates a need for structured processes and quality adherence, common in operational settings.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in mechanical principles, trades, or a related technical field is implied.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in fabrication, prototyping, or mechanical build environments is required.

Required Skills:

• US Citizenship: Mandatory requirement for this position.

• Hands-on Fabrication: Proven ability to build and assemble mechanical systems from drawings and concepts.

• Shop Equipment Proficiency: Skilled in operating mills, grinders, saws, drill presses, and general shop machinery.

• Tooling Dexterity: Strong command of small hand tools and power tools for precision work.

• Material Versatility: Experience working with and shaping various materials including aluminum, steel, plastics, composites, and wood.

• Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to assemble and troubleshoot complex mechanical systems.

• Technical Drawing Comprehension: Proficiency in interpreting CAD drawings and translating them into physical builds.

• Logistical Operations: Experience operating heavy machinery, such as forklifts.

• Marine Environment Familiarity: Comfort working on and around boats and docks.

• Independent Operation: Ability to work with minimal supervision, recognizing when to seek input.

• Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative prototyping environment while maintaining high quality standards.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and practical problem-solving skills for technical challenges.

• Teamwork: Positive, hardworking attitude with excellent collaboration skills.

• Availability: Willingness to work overtime as needed to meet critical project deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Electromechanical Integration: Experience with assembling and integrating electromechanical systems.

• Welding Expertise: TIG or MIG welding experience, particularly with aluminum.

• Marine/Robotics Experience: Prior work with marine systems, robotics, or outdoor-deployed hardware.

• R&D Environment Acclimation: Familiarity with prototyping environments or R&D labs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is heavily weighted towards practical, shop-floor competencies. The inclusion of "US citizenship" is a critical qualification and often relates to defense or government-related projects. "Marine Environment Familiarity" and "Marine Systems" experience are specific to the company's industry and product lines, suggesting a need for candidates who understand the operational context of marine technology.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Fabrication & Assembly Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex mechanical assemblies or prototypes you have built, detailing the process from concept or drawing to final product. Highlight challenges overcome and solutions implemented.

• Material Manipulation Examples: If possible, provide evidence of your ability to work with diverse materials (metals, plastics, composites) through project descriptions or visual aids.

• Tooling & Fixture Design: Include examples of custom jigs, fixtures, or test setups you have designed or built to aid in prototyping or manufacturing processes.

• Problem-Solving Demonstrations: Present instances where you identified an issue during prototyping and implemented a practical solution to improve performance, fit, or durability.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for the technician, an understanding and adherence to established manufacturing best practices for marine and robotic systems will be expected.

• Familiarity with contributing to QA program updates and supporting ISO requirements indicates an ability to follow and help refine documented processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a technician role, a traditional "portfolio" might lean more towards a visual or descriptive presentation of past projects rather than formal process documents. The emphasis here is on demonstrating practical skill, problem-solving, and the ability to translate designs into physical reality, which should be the focus of any portfolio or project discussion.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $36 - $40 per hour

Benefits:

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• 401(k)

• Bonus potential

• Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (full-time)

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly stated. The inclusion of "Bonus potential" and "Restricted Stock Awards" alongside standard benefits indicates a compensation package that includes performance-based incentives and equity, common in technology and manufacturing roles. The mention of "working overtime as needed" from the responsibilities suggests potential for additional hours beyond the standard 40, which is typical for fast-paced prototyping environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Ocean Technology, Maritime Solutions, Renewable Energy (Offshore Wind), Defense & Security, Science & Research.

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data indicates a company size of 51-200 employees, suggesting a medium-sized enterprise.

Founded: 1993. This indicates a company with established history and experience in its specialized field.

Team Structure:

• The technician reports to the Director of Prototyping & Manufacturing Integration.

• The role involves close collaboration with the engineering team.

Methodology:

• Iterative Design & Build: The company operates in a fast-paced, highly iterative prototyping environment where quick turnarounds and practical problem-solving are key.

• Hands-on Problem Solving: Emphasis is placed on practical, hands-on skills to bring concepts to physical reality and improve designs in real-time.

• Quality & Compliance: Adherence to manufacturing best practices and support for ISO requirements suggest a commitment to quality and industry standards.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close work with engineers is essential for translating designs and providing feedback for improvements.

Company Website: https://www.oceanpowertechnologies.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "intelligent maritime solutions" and specific products like PowerBuoy® and WAM-V® highlights a niche in advanced marine technology. A medium-sized company (51-200 employees) often offers a blend of structured processes and the agility to innovate, which is reflected in the iterative prototyping approach and collaborative team environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry to mid-level technician role, focusing on executing mechanical builds and fabrication tasks. It is a hands-on, craft-oriented position within the broader engineering and manufacturing operations domain.

Reporting Structure: The technician reports directly to the Director of Prototyping & Manufacturing Integration, indicating a clear line of management within the prototyping and manufacturing function.

Operations Impact: The technician's work directly impacts the speed and quality of product development. By building and iterating on prototypes, they enable engineers to test and validate new designs, accelerating the path to market for innovative ocean technologies. Their practical feedback can also lead to design improvements that enhance manufacturability and performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific fabrication techniques (e.g., advanced welding, composite work) or system integration (e.g., electromechanical systems).

• Technical Advancement: Potential to move into more complex prototyping roles, lead fabrication tasks, or contribute more significantly to design-for-manufacturing discussions.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining broader knowledge of marine systems, robotics, and potentially quality/ISO processes through close collaboration with engineers and adherence to standards.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated expertise and reliability, potential for team lead roles within the prototyping or manufacturing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a technician is typically through deepening technical expertise and taking on more complex responsibilities rather than moving into management roles, unless they show exceptional leadership and process improvement aptitude. The "operations impact" is very tangible here, tied directly to product development cycles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Richmond, CA, within a facility that includes prototyping, fabrication, and potentially manufacturing areas.

Office Location(s): Richmond, California, with company headquarters in Monroe Township, New Jersey. The Richmond office is specifically noted as having an office and likely associated facilities for R&D and prototyping.

Workspace Context:

• Hands-on Workshop: The environment will be a functional workshop equipped with various tools, machinery (mills, saws, grinders), and materials for fabrication and assembly.

• Collaborative Space: Close interaction with engineers and the prototyping team is expected, fostering a collaborative problem-solving atmosphere.

• Marine Exposure: The work involves marine systems and potentially testing or working near docks, implying an environment that may be exposed to maritime conditions.

• Tooling & Technology: Access to CAD software for drawing interpretation and a range of fabrication tools and equipment.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with a noted willingness to work overtime as needed to meet critical deadlines. This suggests a dynamic schedule that can adapt to project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes the "hands-on maker" aspect, suggesting a workshop environment rather than a traditional office. Proximity to marine environments (boats, docks) is a unique environmental factor for this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and qualifications, focusing on hands-on experience, fabrication skills, and relevant background.

• Technical Assessment/Interview: Likely involves a discussion of past projects, hands-on skills, and problem-solving approaches. This may include a practical demonstration or a detailed walkthrough of a past build.

• Manager Interview: Conversation with the Director of Prototyping & Manufacturing Integration to assess fit with the team, understanding of the role's demands, and work ethic.

• Cross-functional Discussion: Potential interview with engineering team members to gauge collaboration capabilities and technical communication.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Practical Skills: Highlight specific projects where you fabricated, assembled, and troubleshot mechanical systems. Visuals (photos/videos) of your work are highly beneficial.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain your role, the materials used, the tools/machinery involved, and any challenges you encountered and how you solved them.

• Emphasize Problem-Solving: Focus on instances where you improved a design, resolved a fitment issue, or enhanced performance through iteration. Quantify improvements if possible (e.g., "reduced assembly time by X%").

• Material Expertise: Detail your experience with various materials and fabrication techniques.

• Demonstrate Drawing Interpretation: Explain how you translate CAD drawings or conceptual sketches into physical parts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your fabrication and assembly work.

• Anticipate questions about your experience with different types of shop machinery and hand tools.

• Think about a time you had to troubleshoot a mechanical issue independently and how you approached it.

• Be ready to discuss your understanding of quality control in a prototyping context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a technician role, the "portfolio" is less about formal documentation and more about clearly articulating and demonstrating practical experience and problem-solving skills through past projects. The interview process will likely be very hands-on and skill-focused.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Hand Tools: Extensive use of various hand tools for assembly, modification, and fitting.

• Power Tools: Proficiency with drills, saws, grinders, sanders, etc.

• Shop Machinery: Mills, drill presses, band saws, chop saws, bench grinders.

• Heavy Machinery: Forklifts for material handling and movement.

• Welding Equipment: TIG or MIG welders (preferred), for aluminum and other metals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CAD Software: Ability to interpret drawings from CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD - specific software not listed but implied).

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this technician role, but an understanding of how prototypes fit into the company's product development lifecycle is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards physical tools and machinery common in mechanical fabrication and prototyping shops. The ability to interpret CAD files is the primary digital skill required.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Hands-on Craftsmanship: A strong emphasis on building quality physical products and taking pride in craftsmanship.

• Problem-Solving: A culture that values practical, real-world solutions to design and fabrication challenges.

• Collaboration: Close teamwork with engineers and other technicians to bring ideas to fruition.

• Adaptability & Iteration: Embracing a fast-paced environment where designs evolve, and quick adjustments are necessary.

• Resourcefulness: Ability to work with available materials and tools to achieve project goals.

• Commitment to Quality: Adherence to manufacturing best practices and QA standards, even in a prototyping phase.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Practical: Communication will likely be direct, focusing on technical details and immediate problem-solving needs.

• Feedback Loop: Encouraging feedback between technicians and engineers to refine designs and manufacturing processes.

• Team-Oriented: Working together to meet project timelines and tackle complex builds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be very hands-on, results-driven, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and adapting to evolving project requirements. This is typical of R&D and prototyping departments in technology-focused companies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Demands: Keeping pace with fast-changing engineering designs and tight project deadlines can be demanding.

• Material & Fabrication Complexity: Working with diverse materials and complex geometries requires constant learning and adaptability.

• Marine Environment Specifics: Operating in or around marine environments can present unique logistical and environmental challenges.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Ensuring high-quality builds while meeting aggressive timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Fabrication Techniques: Opportunities to learn and master specialized skills like advanced welding, composite layup, or CNC operation if available.

• Exposure to Marine Robotics: Deepening understanding of the mechanical systems that power advanced maritime technologies.

• Process Improvement Contribution: Assisting in the refinement of QA processes and manufacturing best practices.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gaining insights into electrical systems, software integration, and overall product development from engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges stem from the dynamic and demanding nature of rapid prototyping for innovative technologies. Growth is tied to mastering technical skills and contributing to process improvements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a complex mechanical prototype you built from scratch. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and the outcome.)

• "Describe your experience interpreting CAD drawings. How do you ensure accuracy when translating them into physical parts?" (Highlight attention to detail and your workflow.)

• "How do you approach troubleshooting a mechanical assembly that isn't performing as expected?" (Detail your systematic approach and diagnostic skills.)

• "What is your experience with different types of materials (metals, plastics, composites), and what are the advantages/disadvantages of each for prototyping?" (Showcase your material knowledge.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Ocean Power Technologies and our work in maritime solutions?" (Research their products and mission.)

• "How do you handle working in a fast-paced, iterative environment where designs may change frequently?" (Emphasize adaptability and a positive attitude towards change.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Aids are Key: Bring photos or videos of your best prototype builds. If possible, have a digital portfolio ready on a tablet.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the "why" (the goal), the "how" (your process, tools, materials), and the "what" (the result, lessons learned).

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Highlight specific instances where you identified and solved a technical challenge.

• Quantify When Possible: Mention any improvements in efficiency, performance, or durability you contributed to.

• Be Ready to Discuss Tools: Be prepared to talk about your comfort level and experience with the tools and machinery listed in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely be very practical. Be ready to demonstrate your skills verbally and through past project examples. Researching OPT's specific technologies (PowerBuoy, WAM-V) will be crucial for demonstrating genuine interest and understanding.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP workforcenow.adp.com link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your hands-on fabrication, prototyping, and mechanical assembly experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Assembled X number of prototypes," "Improved assembly efficiency by Y%"). Clearly list your experience with specific tools, machinery, and materials mentioned in the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your best work. This could include photos of assemblies, custom fixtures, or projects involving diverse materials. Be ready to describe your process and problem-solving approach for each example.

• Research Ocean Power Technologies: Understand their products (PowerBuoy, WAM-V), their mission in maritime solutions, and their industry. This will help you articulate your interest and fit during interviews.

• Practice Interview Questions: Review the "Interview Preparation" section above and practice articulating your experience and skills clearly and concisely, focusing on practical application and problem-solving.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.