Mechanical Engineer I
About The Position
In this entry-level engineering role, you will support Plug Power’s electrolyzer (ELX) and PEM fuel cell (FC) stack programs at the Rochester Gigafactory & Innovation Center. The role blends hands-on lab work — stack teardown and failure-analysis support, test stand operation, and day-to-day station support — with the engineering fundamentals needed to design, troubleshoot, and improve stack hardware and test methods. You will support ELX and FC stack failure-analysis teardowns, execute and help develop test procedures across 1 kW to 1 MW FC and ELX test stands, and partner with engineers and technicians to stand up new lab capabilities — new teardown protocols, test methods, fixtures, and data collection tools — that expand the team’s testing and failure-analysis capacity. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent mechanical engineering graduate or early-career engineer to build deep, hands-on expertise with fuel cell and electrolyzer hardware while developing the core engineering skills — CAD, DFMEA, root cause analysis, and design documentation — needed to grow into a Mechanical Engineer II role. The ideal candidate is curious, hands-on, detail-oriented, and eager to learn across both the lab and engineering sides of stack development.
Requirements
- BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field (required)
- 0–2 years of relevant experience; co-ops, internships, senior design projects, or academic lab work involving fuel cells, electrolyzers, electrochemistry, or hands-on mechanical testing are a strong plus
- Basic familiarity with 3D CAD modeling and drawings (Creo/Windchill a plus)
- Interest in or exposure to GD&T, FEA/CFD, and DFMEA methodology
- Comfortable working hands-on in a lab environment with test equipment, tooling, and chemical handling
- Strong documentation skills — able to record and communicate test results, observations, and findings clearly in lab notebooks and written reports
- Proficiency with standard computer tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, data logging/analysis software)
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn new processes and technical areas in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work out of Plug Power’s Rochester Innovation Center; ability to travel for business need up to 10% of the time
Nice To Haves
- Exposure to PEM fuel cell or electrolyzer stack hardware, testing, or teardown/failure analysis is highly desirable but not required
Responsibilities
- Support ELX and FC stack failure-analysis activities, including stack disassembly/teardown, inspection, root cause investigation, and sample preparation for downstream analytical teams
- Operate, troubleshoot, and support 1 kW, 9 kW, 15 kW, 50 kW, and 1 MW PEM test stands and associated data acquisition systems; provide day-to-day test station support to keep stations running and generating quality data
- Set up and execute standard and non-standard test procedures for PEM FC and ELX components and stacks as directed by senior engineers
- Partner with engineering and lab staff to develop new lab capabilities — new teardown procedures, test protocols, fixtures, tooling, and data collection/reporting methods — to expand the team’s testing and failure-analysis capacity
- Record, organize, and analyze test and teardown data; prepare clear documentation, reports, and presentations summarizing findings, root causes, and recommendations
- Support engineering design activities for stack components and test fixtures from concept through prototype, including basic 3D CAD modeling, drawings, and bills of materials (Creo preferred)
- Assist with Design Failure Mode and Effect Analyses (DFMEA) and design reviews for stack hardware and test fixtures
- Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and analytical teams to resolve stack build, test, and reliability issues
- Maintain lab equipment, tools, and test fixtures; support calibration, inventory management, and OSHA-compliant lab safety practices, including chemical handling, lock-out/tag-out, and PPE requirements
- Support engineering studies, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives across the stack test and teardown lab
- Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions
- Perform all other duties as assigned
Benefits
- 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
- Fertility and Family Building Benefit
- Employee Referral program
- Employee Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
