Engineer I, Fuel Cell System Test & Validation

Job Description

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 seeking a talented Engineer to join our Fuel Cell System Analysis, Test and Validation team at our headquarters in Slingerlands, NY. In this role, you will analyze, test, validate and develop new methods to assess the performance of cutting-edge fuel cell systems and components. You will work in both computational and experimental environments to continuously improve fuel cell performance and reliability. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to performance optimization, refinement of product specifications, and delivery of actionable feedback that supports both short and long-term product improvements.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Build a deep understanding of fuel cell systems; develop a top-level overview, while breaking it down to benchmarkable metrics, such as customer requirements and performance parameters.
• Develop analysis models using commercial CFD tools to explore flow, heat rejection and efficiency optimizations.
• Construct testing and validation strategies for system commercialization.
• Plan, develop, and execute test plans and protocols (DVP&R) to assess fuel cell performance, materials, and technologies. Collaborate with senior engineers on design verification and validation.
• Conduct component and 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.
• 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 STEM field, engineering preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in relevant technology, development and testing of complex products such as fuel cells, flow batteries, engines, or similar technologies.
• Solid understanding and application of fluid dynamics and heat transfer fundamentals.
• Experience setting up, running and analyzing CFD using commercial tools.
• 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.
• Exempt employees are expected to work as many hours as is necessary to complete their job responsibilities. This may require they work more than eight hours a day and more than five days or 40 hours per week.

Pay Rate

$64,100.00 - $96,100.00

We offer a fantastic total rewards package at Plug, and a brief summary is below:
✓Base salary is determined on a number of factors including but not limited to education, experience, skills, and geography. These factors are considered when making an offer of employment. If you are interested in this position, we'd ask that you apply.
✓The above pay range, may not take into account local geographic pay variations. If there is an applicable geographic differential, a member of the HR team can discuss that with you.
✓Health, Dental & Vision Insurance eligibility starting from the first day of hire
✓401(k) with 5% company match
✓Bonus eligibility
✓Paid time off including vacation, personal and sick time
✓Paid Holidays
✓Wellness Reimbursement Program
✓Potential to apply for Tuition Reimbursement
✓Fertility and Family Building Benefit
✓Employee Referral program
✓Employee Assistance Program

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.