Fuel Cell Stack Testing Intern

Plug Power Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Engineering Co-op to assist the Fuel Cell Testing Center of Excellence. This role offers exposure to a fast-paced manufacturing and engineering environment, focusing on technical projects, process improvement, and documentation. The co-op will gain hands-on experience in fuel cell testing, electrochemical R&D, and develop an understanding of fuel cell technology and its operating conditions, while also developing problem-solving and professional skills.

Must Have

• Assist the Fuel Cell Testing Center of Excellence in engineering initiatives and projects
• Perform fuel cell MEA fabrication, testing, and diagnostics at single-cell, short-stack, and full-size levels
• Qualify new MEA and stack designs and components
• Document research activities, test results, and observations in detailed lab notes
• Assist with preparing reports that summarize findings, progress, and areas for improvement
• 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
• Must have reliable transportation to the office
• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Good to Have

• Prior Internship or Co-op experience

Engineering Co-Op- Fuel Cell Stack Testing

Status: Non-Exempt (hourly)

Department: 000389

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

• Fuel Cell Testing and Qualification: Perform fuel cell MEA fabrication, testing, and diagnostics at both the single-cell, short-stack levels, and full size level. Qualify new MEA and stack designs and components as part of internal development programs.
• 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.
• 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.

Estimated Base Salary Range:

$21.00 - $25.00