Electrical Engineer

Electrical EngineerLocation: On-Site – Richmond, CAReports to: VP of Technology & InnovationOcean 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 RoleWe are seeking an Electrical Engineer to join our Richmond, CA engineering team, focused on the design, development, and deployment of electrical systems for WAM-V® autonomous surface vehicles and PowerBuoy® platforms. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working on real-world hardware systems, from early-stage prototypes through field deployment.You will take ownership of key electrical subsystems, including power distribution, communications, and control systems, ensuring reliability in harsh marine environments. This role requires a hands-on engineer who is comfortable moving between design, build, test, and troubleshooting, and who works effectively with cross-functional teams across mechanical, software, and embedded disciplines. This position offers the opportunity to directly impact mission-critical marine robotics systems, helping improve platform performance, reliability, and scalability in challenging ocean conditions.ResponsibilitiesDesign, analyze, and interpret circuit diagrams, schematics, and layoutsPlan, develop, and refine electrical systems for autonomous marine platforms, including power distribution, control systems, and signal integrityOwn electrical architectures for subsystems across WAM-V® and PowerBuoy® platformsDevelop and prototype electrical assemblies, including wiring harnesses, connectors, enclosures, and PCB-based systems for marine environmentsIntegrate electrical systems with mechanical and software components, working closely with cross-functional engineering teamsPerform diagnostics, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis on electrical systems in both lab and field environmentsSupport system bring-up, validation, and testing, including participation in field deployments and sea trialsInternalize feedback from team members, manufacturing, and customers and modify designs to fit those needsEnsure designs meet reliability, safety, and environmental requirements for marine operation (corrosion, sealing, vibration, thermal)Create and maintain electrical documentation, such as wiring diagrams, BOMs, and test procedures and simplify to allow use for operators of all skill levelsSupport continuous improvement of electrical designs, standards, and best practicesQualificationsRequired:US citizenshipBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related disciplineMinimum 2 years of experience in an electrical engineering roleStrong proficiency in electrical circuit design, analysis, and system integrationExperience with PCB design tools (Altium Designer preferred)Familiarity with circuit simulation tools (e.g., Cadence or equivalent)Experience working with embedded systems and basic programming (C++, Python, or similar)Strong understanding of electrical components, wiring practices, and safety considerationsDemonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues in complex systemsExperience with power systems, battery integration, and energy managementWillingness to participate in field deployments and sea trialsStrong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teamsDesired:Experience with marine, outdoor, or ruggedized electrical systemsFamiliarity with environmental sealing, corrosion mitigation, and ruggedization techniquesHands-on experience with prototype builds and field testingExperience working with autonomous systems, robotics, or unmanned vehiclesEligibility for U.S. government security clearance (if required)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 $105,000 - $115,000 per year and includes the following:Bonus potentialRestricted Stock AwardsBenefits include:MedicalDentalVisionLife InsuranceDisability Insurance401(k)