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.