Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.
Sample of reported job titles: Engineer, Fuel Cell Engineer, Research Engineer, Stack Engineer
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
Plan or conduct experiments to validate new materials, optimize startup protocols, reduce conditioning time, or examine contaminant tolerance.
Provide technical consultation or direction related to the development or production of fuel cell systems.
Characterize component or fuel cell performances by generating operating maps, defining operating conditions, identifying design refinements, or executing durability assessments.
Plan or implement fuel cell cost reduction or product improvement projects in collaboration with other engineers, suppliers, support personnel, or customers.
Conduct fuel cell testing projects, using fuel cell test stations, analytical instruments, or electrochemical diagnostics, such as cyclic voltammetry or impedance spectroscopy.
Analyze fuel cell or related test data, using statistical software.
Conduct post-service or failure analyses, using electromechanical diagnostic principles or procedures.
Define specifications for fuel cell materials.
Recommend or implement changes to fuel cell system designs.
Validate design of fuel cells, fuel cell components, or fuel cell systems.
Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, or talk with colleagues to stay abreast of new technology or competitive products.
Prepare test stations, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems for use in specific tests of fuel cell components or systems.
Develop fuel cell materials or fuel cell test equipment.
Fabricate prototypes of fuel cell components, assemblies, stacks, or systems.
Manage fuel cell battery hybrid system architecture, including sizing of components, such as fuel cells, energy storage units, or electric drives.
Design or implement fuel cell testing or development programs.
Write technical reports or proposals related to engineering projects.
Simulate or model fuel cell, motor, or other system information, using simulation software programs.
Design fuel cell systems, subsystems, stacks, assemblies, or components, such as electric traction motors or power electronics.
Identify or define vehicle and system integration challenges for fuel cell vehicles.
Calculate the efficiency or power output of a fuel cell system or process.
Coordinate fuel cell engineering or test schedules with departments outside engineering, such as manufacturing.
Authorize release of fuel cell parts, components, or subsystems for production.
Evaluate the power output, system cost, or environmental impact of new hydrogen or non-hydrogen fuel cell system designs.
Integrate electric drive subsystems with other vehicle systems to optimize performance or mitigate faults.
Develop or evaluate systems or methods of hydrogen storage for fuel cell applications.
Technology Skills
Analytical or scientific software -
Ansoft Simplorer; Ansys Fluent; ASPEN PLUS; FactSage; Failure mode and effects analysis FMEA software; Gaussian GaussView; Gaussian software; GE Energy GateCycle; Maplesoft Maple; MathWorks Simulink; Minitab; Statistical software; Wolfram Research Mathematica
Industrial control software -
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Object or component oriented development software -
C++ 🔥
Office suite software -
Microsoft Office software 🔥
Operating system software -
Microsoft Windows 🔥
Presentation software -
Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
Spreadsheet software -
Microsoft Excel 🔥
Word processing software -
Microsoft Word 🔥
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Detailed Work Activities
Research energy production, use, or conservation.
Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
Design alternative energy systems.
Implement design or process improvements.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
Test green technologies or processes.
Analyze test or validation data.
Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
Determine design criteria or specifications.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Conduct validation tests of equipment or processes.
Update technical knowledge.
Operate industrial equipment.
Design materials for industrial or commercial applications.
Create physical models or prototypes.
Devise research or testing protocols.
Prepare technical reports for internal use.
Prepare proposal documents.
Create models of engineering designs or methods.
Analyze green technology design requirements.
Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
Design energy-efficient vehicles or vehicle components.
Evaluate the characteristics of green technologies.