Principal Engineer, Fuel Cell System Testing

Status: Exempt (Salaried)                                                  

Department: Center of Excellence (279)

Position Summary

We are seeking a Principal Engineer for Fuel Cell System Testing at our headquarters in Slingerlands, NY.

The position will be responsible for testing and validation of fuel cell systems and development of test methods. The Engineer will evaluate state-of-the-art fuel cell systems and technology in the lab and in the field and continuously improve performance and life of fuel cell systems. They will work closely with the cross-functional teams to understand product requirements and specifications and provide feedback for immediate improvements and long-term product vision.  

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the product and technology roadmap; plan testing and validation strategies for evaluation and commercialization of fuel cell systems, drawing on field expertise, research, and other resources.
• Develop and execute test plans and protocols to evaluate fuel cell system performance, new materials, and technology; lead design verification and product validation.
• Perform parameter characterization, conduct sensitivity testing, and construct and run DOEs to optimize operating conditions.
• Conduct durability and accelerated stress tests to identify failure modes and diagnostic parameters for life prediction.
• Conduct shock and vibration testing and environmental testing (thermal cycling, freeze-thaw, cold starts) to support product safety and certification.
• Continuously improve data analysis procedures, testing systems and protocols, equipment, and test setups; troubleshoot equipment and automate operations as needed.
• Document and analyze failures using 8D, root cause analysis, statistical methods, and other advanced techniques.
• Coach and mentor team members on test strategy, methods, test setups, data analysis, and reporting.
• Participate in design reviews supporting new product development and changes to existing products.
• Manage multiple projects with a focus on delivering high-quality results on schedule.
• Travel to customer locations, vendors, and suppliers to perform technical functions including repair and troubleshooting as required (up to 10%).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM Field, Engineering preferred
• 10+ years of relevant work experience in a technology manufacturing environment.
• Deep expertise in instrumentation hardware and diagnostics across thermal, fluidics, structural, and electrochemical aspects of a product, with a thorough grounding in the underlying engineering fundamentals.
• Strong hands-on lab/test experience, including operating test stations using LabVIEW or similar software.
• Previous experience testing products for certification and compliance to SAE and ISO standards.
• Experience developing, testing, and commercializing technically complex products such as fuel cells, flow batteries, or similar.
• Working knowledge of fuel cell and fuel cell system failure modes.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, VBA, Python, or similar tools for data analysis and modeling.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects with excellent follow-through and attention to detail.

Pay Rate:

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.