Sr. System Engineer

Sr. Systems Engineer – Fuel Cell Systems

Status: Exempt (salaried)

Department: Systems Engineering  

Position Summary

The Sr. Systems Engineer is responsible for system and subsystem level design of fuel cell systems. This role will be responsible for translating customer requirements to system, subsystem, and component requirements, and shaping the system architecture using best-in-class product development practices. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional cross functional leadership skills, communication, and project management skills. This individual is self-motivated, capable of managing and coordinating multiple projects, and eager to share their product industrialization experience and expertise. 

This role reports to the Senior Manager of Systems Engineering.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development of fuel cell systems and subsystem architectures and requirements that align with customer needs and business objectives.
• Own requirement traceability, verification, and project risk throughout the product development process.
• Ensure system designs comply with relevant codes and standards including hydrogen safety standards (e.g., ISO, SAE, UL, NFPA ).
• Perform engineering analyses to understand design trade-offs and down select from multiple options.
• Design the hybridization strategy for the application based on customer load profiles and usage, and mapping of fuel cell system and battery with respect to power and energy.
• Represent Systems Engineering at product gate reviews and development milestones (Concept Freeze, Design Freeze, DV/PV, Pilot Build, Production Release).
• Lead cross functional FMEA, hazard analysis and risk mitigation of fuel cell and related sub systems.
• Produce clear, concise engineering documentation, including test plans, reports, and design calculations and present analysis in technical reviews.
• Perform system level testing and analyze associated data.
• Lead development projects and root cause analysis efforts with small to midsized engineering teams.
• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience working in systems engineering for complex projects/products.
• Subject matter expertise applying systems engineering principles and the V-model product development process in power, energy, automotive, aerospace or equivalent industries.
• Proven experience bringing industrial products from concept to launch using structured product development frameworks (e.g., Stage-Gate).
• Familiarity in Lean product development, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), and/or formal program management methodologies (e.g., PMP, Agile for hardware).
• Thermal and fluid system integration.
• Experience being a project or engineering lead.
• Experience with requirement management tools such as Jama or DOORS.
• Expert analytical abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including but not limited to: MATLAB, Simulink, LabView, GT Suite, Creo, CFD, FEA, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Familiarity with hydrogen and fuel cell codes and standards, including SAE International, ISO, and NFPA 2 is a big plus, and experience supporting regulatory approvals and certification activities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to present complex technical trade-offs to engineering, operations, executive, and customer audiences.
• Experience with fuel cell system architecture is preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Pay Rate:

We offer a fantastic total rewards package at Plug, and a brief summary is below:
✓Base salary is determined on a number of factors including but not limited to education, experience, skills, and geography. These factors are considered when making an offer of employment. If you are interested in this position, we’d ask that you apply.
✓The above pay range, may not take into account local geographic pay variations. If there is an applicable geographic differential, a member of the HR team can discuss that with you.
✓Health, Dental & Vision Insurance eligibility starting from the first day of hire
✓401(k) with 5% company match
✓Bonus eligibility
✓Paid time off including vacation, personal and sick time
✓Paid Holidays
✓Wellness Reimbursement Program
✓Potential to apply for Tuition Reimbursement
✓Employee Referral program
✓Employee Assistance Program
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.