Fuel Cell Engineers
Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.
Common Job Titles
- Engineer
- Fuel Cell Engineer
- Research Engineer
- Stack Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign fuel cell components and systems for transportation, stationary, and portable applications using CAD software and computational modeling tools.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize interdisciplinary knowledge from chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering to solve complex fuel cell design challenges and improve energy conversion efficiency.Advanced
- KnowledgeDevelop computational models and simulations of fuel cell processes using MATLAB, Ansys Fluent, and thermodynamic analysis software.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze electrochemical performance data and test results using chromatography equipment, spectrometers, and statistical software to optimize fuel cell efficiency.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate fuel cell system performance against design specifications using fuel cell test stands and power analyzers in laboratory settings.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess material properties and catalytic performance using electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and thermal gravimetric analysis under controlled laboratory conditions.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret technical specifications and engineering drawings to fabricate and modify fuel cell prototypes for experimental testing.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate innovative fuel cell technologies and sustainable energy solutions when communicating with external stakeholders, management, and interdisciplinary project teams.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate safety protocols and regulatory compliance requirements throughout the design, testing, and manufacturing phases of fuel cell development.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate advanced analytical instrumentation including mass spectrometers, FTIR spectrometers, and scanning electron microscopes to characterize fuel cell materials and components under laboratory protocols.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate fuel cell test equipment and data acquisition systems using programmable logic controllers and SCADA software to ensure measurement accuracy.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Fuel Cell Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
286,760
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $68,740. 25th percentile: U.S. $81,800. 50th percentile: U.S. $102,320. 75th percentile: U.S. $130,290. 90th percentile: U.S. $161,240. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $68,740 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $161,240 |
| Workers on average earn | $110,080 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Engineering and Technology4.6/5
- Chemistry4.0/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- Design3.9/5
- Physics3.6/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- C++
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
- ASPEN PLUS
- Ansoft Simplorer
- Ansys Fluent
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- FactSage
- Failure mode and effects analysis FMEA software
- GE Energy GateCycle
- Gaussian GaussView
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Differential scanning calorimeters
- Digital sonifiers
- Dilatometers
- Flame ionization detectors FID
- Flow reactors
- Fluorescence detectors
- Fourier transfer infrared FTIR spectrometers