Mechanical Design Engineer

Ocean Power Technologies Inc•Richmond, CA

2d•$105,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Richmond, CA engineering team, focused on the design, development, and deployment of mechanical systems for WAM-V® autonomous surface vehicles, PowerBuoy® platforms, and supporting hardware. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys taking designs from concept through prototype and into fielded systems. You will be responsible for designing robust mechanical components and assemblies that can withstand harsh marine environments, while working closely with prototyping, electrical, and software teams to ensure seamless system integration. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing analytical design with practical build and test iteration. You should be motivated to see your designs operate in the real world and continuously improve them based on field performance. This position offers the opportunity to directly impact next-generation marine robotics platforms and contribute to systems operating in some of the most challenging environments.

Requirements

US citizenship
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
Minimum 2 years of experience in mechanical design or product development
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks or similar) for part and assembly design
Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes
Experience working with composites, aluminum structures, and welded assemblies
Experience designing for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA)
Hands-on experience with prototyping, fabrication, and mechanical testing
Familiarity with corrosion-resistant materials, coatings, and sealing methods
Ability to create detailed engineering drawings and documentation
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work through design challenges in a hands-on environment
Willingness to participate in field deployments and sea trials
Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams

Nice To Haves

Experience designing for marine, outdoor, or ruggedized environments
Experience with structural analysis tools (FEA), hydrodynamic modeling, and CFD
Experience with robotics, autonomous systems, or unmanned vehicles
Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems
Eligibility for U.S. government security clearance (if required)

Responsibilities

Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for autonomous marine systems, including structural, enclosure, and integration hardware
Create detailed CAD models and drawings for parts and assemblies, ensuring manufacturability and serviceability
Perform engineering analysis (e.g., stress, fatigue, thermal, corrosion considerations) to ensure robust performance in marine environments
Work closely with prototyping and fabrication teams to build, test, and iterate on designs
Design for harsh environments, including considerations for sealing, corrosion resistance, vibration, and shock
Support system integration across mechanical, electrical, and software domains
Develop and maintain BOMs, engineering documentation, and revision-controlled drawings
Participate in testing and validation, including lab testing and field deployments/sea trials
Troubleshoot mechanical issues and implement design improvements based on test and field data
Contribute to design standards, best practices, and continuous improvement of engineering processes