Fuel Cell MEA Testing Intern

Plug Power Inc. is seeking an Engineering Co-op to assist the Fuel Cell Testing Center of Excellence. This role offers hands-on experience in fuel cell testing, electrochemical research, and development, focusing on design verification, data analysis, and process improvement. The intern will gain a detailed understanding of fuel cell technology, operating conditions, and hardware design, while developing problem-solving, teamwork, and time management skills in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Must Have

• Perform ex-situ material measurements (GDL, gasket)
• Support fuel cell testing for single cell air-cooled products
• Build single-cell air cooled stacks for material qualification
• Support electrochemical methods (EIS, CV) for product development
• Document research activities, test results, and observations
• Write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Possess mechanical aptitude for minor repairs
• Ability to independently set up and monitor experiments
• Understand and apply engineering concepts
• Critically analyze data for stack performance and reliability
• Pursuing Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related engineering
• Strong motivation to learn about fuel cell stacks
• Reliable transportation to the office
• Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook
• Demonstrated analytical abilities and attention to detail

Good to Have

• Prior Internship or Co-op experience

Engineering Co-Op – Fuel Cell Material Testing

Status: Non-Exempt (hourly)

Department: 00389

Position Summary

Plug Power Inc. is actively seeking a highly motivated Engineering Co-op. The Co-op will be responsible for assisting the Fuel Cell Testing Center of Excellence in a wide variety of engineering initiatives and projects in support of the co-op’s academic studies. In this role, you will gain exposure to a fast-paced manufacturing and engineering environment which includes developing a detailed understanding of Plug Power’s products. The role will focus on the successful completion of technical projects, process improvement, documentation, and presentation of results at the end of the program.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the fuel cell industry, its trends and challenges
• Gain hands-on experience in fuel cell testing, electrochemical research and development, and assist in executing fuel cell design verification testing and data analysis
• Develop an understanding of fuel cell technology, how operating conditions interact with fuel cell performance, and other fuel cell hardware design considerations
• Develop problem solving skills in an industrial approach
• Professional development – teamwork, time management, networking, etc.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Ex-Situ Material Measurements: Perform ex-situ measurements such as compression and thickness on materials (gas diffusion layers (GDL) and gasket material) intended for future MEA designs.
• Fuel Cell Testing and Qualification: Support fuel cell testing for single cell air-cooled products. Build single-cell air cooled stacks to qualify new materials as part of internal development programs.
• Electrochemical Testing: Support development of current products and future products using electrochemical methods such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV).
• Data Documentation and Reporting: Document research activities, test results, and observations in detailed lab notes and assist with preparing reports that summarize findings, progress, and areas for improvement.
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Writing: Document processes and procedures for experiments in concise documents that can be utilized for training purposes in the future as well as testing documentation.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to make minor repairs as necessary
• Ability to independently set up experiments and monitor progress
• Understand engineering concepts and how to appropriately apply them in day-to-day projects
• Ability to critically analyze data in terms of stack performance and reliability
• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Education and Qualification

• Pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Master's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical or a related program
• Strong motivation to learn and apply learning to produce better fuel cell stacks
• Prior Internship or Co-op experience preferred but not required
• Must have reliable transportation to the office
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Possess solid hands-on approach to problem-solving
• Computer and software systems skills as applicable to position including but not limited to: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
• Demonstrated analytical abilities with strong attention to detail
• Must be driven and self-motivated
• Must possess the highest ethical standards and a commitment to work quality

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.