Fuel Cell System Testing Engineer
Plug is the industry leader behind the end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem. We are engaged in producing and liquefying Hydrogen, our PEM electrolyzer solutions produce carbon-free green hydrogen using renewable electricity and water. We transport Hydrogen with a fleet of cryogenic trucks, store and handle Hydrogen and provide dispensers for fueling. By combining hydrogen with Plug fuel cells, we can power a spectrum of applications from material handling to Class 6 and Class 8 trucks to EV charging to aerospace to back-up power for critical infrastructure.
We are looking for an Engineer to join our Fuel Cell System Testing and Validation team at our headquarters in Latham, NY. In this role, you will be responsible for testing, validating, and developing new methods to assess the performance of cutting-edge fuel cell systems. You will work in the lab environment to continuously improve fuel cell performance and longevity. Collaborating closely with the design teams, you will contribute to refining product specifications and delivering feedback for both immediate improvements and the long-term vision of our products.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop a deep understanding of fuel cell systems and create testing and validation strategies for their commercialization.
- Plan, develop, and execute tests plans and protocols (DVP&R) to assess fuel cell performance, materials, and technologies. Collaborate with senior engineers on design verification and validation.
- Conduct system characterization, sensitivity testing, and Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize operational conditions.
- Perform durability and accelerated stress testing to identify failure modes and diagnostic parameters for predicting system lifespan.
- Conduct environmental and safety testing, including shock, vibration, thermal cycling, freeze-thaw tests, and cold-start tests to meet certification requirements.
- Continuously improve testing systems, protocols, data analysis procedures, and equipment. Automate operations where applicable and troubleshoot equipment as needed.
- Analyze failures using root cause analysis, 8D methodologies, and statistical techniques.
- Participate in design reviews to support new product development and make recommendations for product improvements.
- Manage multiple projects, ensuring high-quality results are delivered on time.
- Travel to customer locations, vendors, and suppliers as required for technical support, including troubleshooting and repairs.
- Always Represent Plug Power professionally and ethically in all business interactions.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
- 1-3 years of experience in developing, testing, and commercializing complex products such as fuel cells, flow batteries, or similar technologies.
- Familiarity with fuel cell system DFMEA is highly desirable.
- Proficient in the use of instrumentation for diagnosing thermal, fluidic, structural, and electrochemical aspects of products. Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
- Experience with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB or VBA.
- Hands-on experience in lab environments, familiarity with testing equipment and tools, and experience operating test stations using LabVIEW or similar software.
- Experience with product testing for compliance with SAE and ISO standards.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and communicate effectively at all levels.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks while maintaining attention to detail and delivering high-quality results.
- Self-motivated and passionate about solving complex technical challenges. Commitment to high ethical standards and work quality.
- Ability to travel up to 10% as required.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software.
