Fuel Cell Engineers

What the job really is

Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-2141
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, C, C++, MathWorks Simulink, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Oracle Database, Python

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Chemical Engineers
• Automotive Engineers
• Microsystems Engineers
• Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
• Electrical Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
• Aerospace Engineers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Fuel Cell Engineers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.