The Mechanical Engineer - Stack Engineering is a vital team member that supports activities related to the development and continual operation of Plug Power’s products. You will be responsible for supporting the successful execution of projects and contributing to the overall success of our engineering department through design, deliver, and direct fuel cell stack testing systems and methods to enable product testing, verification, and validation in support of company milestones. Evaluate state of the art fuel cell stacks, materials, and technology in the lab and in the field. Continuously improve the performance and life of fuel cell stacks by understanding product requirements and designing tests in support of the goals. This broad responsibility allows the Engineer to apply technical experience and project management skills towards business-critical outcomes.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and execute test plans and test protocols to evaluate fuel cell stack performance, new materials, and technology.
- Design critical stack hardware to support cost down initiatives.
- Conduct shock & vibration validation, and develop lightweight, non-metallic stack BPPs to enable more durable stack designs.
- Perform characterization of various parameters on the fuel cell stack, conduct parameter sensitivity testing, DOE, define optimal running conditions for the stack and in response to system boundary conditions.
- Conduct durability (accelerated stress) tests on fuel cell stack, identify failure modes and diagnostic parameters for life prediction.
- Conduct shock and vibration tests, environmental tests like thermal cycling, freeze – thaw tests, and to prove safety and certification of product.
- Understand critical technology performance specifications and common field failure modes; design protocol to test those specific items.
- Continuously improve data analysis procedures, testing systems and protocol, test equipment, test setups and instrumentation, troubleshoot equipment as needed, automate operations.
- Document and analyze failures using techniques like 8D, root cause analysis, statistics, and other advanced techniques in materials science with the help of experts.
- Lead test equipment projects, including tracking and managing cost, timing, and equipment installations, and leading activities with equipment vendors and skilled trades.
- Interface with Systems Engineering in identifying and creating stack sub systems requirements from a performance perspective.
- Develop good working relationships with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional staff.
- Manage multiple projects with a focus on delivering high quality results in a timely fashion.
- Develops and designs new products; makes significant advancements to programs via technical expertise and its applications.
- Build relationships and engage in regular communications with cross-functional colleagues.
- Represent Plug Power professionally and in all interactions.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- BS in Engineering or a STEM related discipline.
- 3-5 years of relevant work experience, preferably within a technology manufacturing environment. Experience in developing and testing technically complex products such as fuel cells, automotive engines or power train, power generation, renewables, energy storage products like batteries, flow batteries, capacitors, or similar products is highly preferred.
- Expertise in use of instrumentation hardware and diagnosis on thermal, fluidics, structural, and electrochemical aspects of a product. Thorough understanding of engineering fundamentals in those fields.
- Exceptional data analysis and presentation skills. Knowledge of MATLAB, VBA, or similar software to analyze data and create models is preferred.
- Strong hands-on experience working in a lab and test environment and familiar with various testing equipment and tools and operating test stations using LabVIEW or similar programs.
- Previous experience in testing products for certification and compliance with SAE and ISO standards.
- Ability to travel as needed to carry out duties of the position up to 10%.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects with excellent follow-through, multi-task effectively with attention to detail.
- Computer and software systems skills as applicable to position including but not limited to: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Uncompromising dedication to quality.
- Demonstrated analytical abilities with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to design and/or optimize independently to drive significant advancement in complex projects/programs.
Plug Power, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
