Senior Systems Engineer – Fuel Cell Systems
Senior Systems Engineer - Fuel Cell Systems
Status: Exempt (Salaried)
Department: Fuel Cell Platforms - Systems Engineering
Position Summary
Plug is building the global hydrogen ecosystem. We are the only company delivering a complete hydrogen platform, from production and liquefaction to storage, delivery, and power generation. They are integrated, end-to-end solutions designed to make hydrogen work at industrial scale across regions, industries, and applications.
The Senior Systems Engineer serves as the technical authority for systems architecture within Plug’s Hydrogen PEM fuel cell product development - translating customer requirements into system and subsystem architecture, owning requirement traceability through production release, and leading cross-functional teams through structured stage-gate development. The ideal candidate brings deep systems engineering fundamentals, experience launching industrialized products in a regulated environment, and the ability to drive alignment across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software disciplines. Fuel cell experience is a plus; a track record of bringing complex power or energy systems from concept to production is the core requirement. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Systems Engineering - Fuel Cells Platforms and is located at our facility in Slingerlands, NY.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
System Architecture & Requirements
- Lead development of fuel cell system and subsystem architectures that satisfy customer requirements and business objectives; translating customer needs into verifiable system, subsystem, and component-level requirements
- Own requirement traceability (MBSE or document-based) from customer input through verification closure; manage system-level risk register throughout the product development lifecycle
- Define energy management architecture for hybrid fuel cell and battery systems based on customer load profiles, duty cycles, and application requirements; optimize power and energy sizing across fuel cell stack and battery
- Perform engineering trade studies and system-level analyses to evaluate design options, quantify performance margins, and support architecture down-selection decisions
Cross-Functional Integration & Standards Compliance
- Serve as the systems engineering integration lead across mechanical, electrical, controls, thermal, and software disciplines; identify and resolve interface risks and requirement conflicts early in the design cycle
- Ensure system designs comply with applicable codes and standards including NFPA 2, SAE, ISO, and UL hydrogen and fuel cell requirements; support regulatory approvals and certification activities
- Lead cross-functional FMEA, hazard analysis, and risk mitigation efforts across fuel cell system and related subsystems; represent Systems Engineering at DFMEA and safety reviews
Stage-Gate Program Execution
- Execute systems engineering activities within Plug Power’s stage-gate development framework, owning key milestones: Concept Freeze, Design Freeze, DV/PV, Pilot Build, and Production Release
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for system-level issues; drive resolution across engineering, operations, and supply chain stakeholders
- Produce and maintain clear engineering documentation including system specifications, test plans, verification matrices, and design review packages; present technical trade-offs at gate reviews and program milestones
Testing, Validation & Field Feedback
- Define and support system-level test plans and DVP&R aligned to customer use cases, duty cycles, and certification requirements; lead or support execution of system-level testing and data analysis
- Close the field reliability loop: analyze field performance data, warranty returns, and failure reports; translate findings into system-level requirements updates and design improvements
- Collaborate with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering on DFM, pilot build readiness, and production launch; support end-of-line test strategy development to ensure system performance is verified at volume
Education and Experience
- B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline
- 5+ years of systems engineering experience in complex products in power, energy, automotive, aerospace, industrial, or equivalent high-reliability industries
- Proven experience bringing industrialized products from concept through production using structured development frameworks (Stage-Gate, DFSS, V-model, or equivalent), familiarity with Lean product development
- Demonstrated ability to develop and manage requirements using formal requirement management tools (Jama, DOORS, or equivalent) with full traceability to verification
- Experience with thermal and fluid system integration in fuel cell or power system products
- Experience leading cross-functional FMEA and hazard analysis; strong analytical skills with the ability to quantify system trade-offs and present findings to mixed technical and non-technical audiences
- Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for system modeling and analysis; experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
- Proficiency or experience with simulation tools such as GT Suite, AMESim, or AVL CRUISE is a big plus
- Experience with Creo or equivalent 3D CAD in a systems integration role
- Familiarity with hydrogen and fuel cell codes and standards (NFPA 2, SAE J2601, ISO 14687, UL 2267); experience supporting regulatory approvals and agency certification activities
- Direct experience with PEM fuel cell systems, hydrogen systems, or electrochemical energy systems; familiarity with hybrid energy management strategies is a big plus
- Experience with LabVIEW or equivalent test automation platforms for system-level test execution
- Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to align diverse stakeholders around system architecture decisions; ability to travel up to 25%
Pay Rate:
$95,040.00 - $142,500.00We 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.