Mechanical Design Engineer

Nel Hydrogen; Wallingford (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare and insurance benefits

Paid vacation time

Short-term incentive program

Job summary

Nel Hydrogen, located in Wallingford, Connecticut, is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer who is passionate about hydrogen innovation. In this role, you will design and develop components for electrochemical systems, improving performance and manufacturability.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and 3-8 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. This position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to the green energy transition.

Qualifications

• 3‑8 years of industry-related experience in relevant fields.
• 3+ years of experience designing and analyzing precision components.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including molding, machining, and joining.

Responsibilities

• Develop and design components for electrochemical cell stacks.
• Perform engineering calculations for stress analysis and fluid flow.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams on design evaluations.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering expertise

Collaboration skills

Design for manufacturability

Stress analysis

Experience with PTC Creo

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PTC Creo

FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS)

CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS CFX)

Job description

Join Nel and help advance one of the world’s most critical energy technologies.

At Nel, you’ll work at the forefront of hydrogen innovation – contributing to the design and development of electrochemical systems that power the green energy transition. In this role, you will apply your mechanical engineering expertise to complex component and system design, helping improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

You will work across engineering and manufacturing, combining analytical depth with hands‑on problem solving. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact while working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Your Role

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be a key contributor to component and system design, with responsibility for analyzing mechanical stress and deformation, fluid flow, load distribution, tolerancing, and design for manufacturability. You will prepare detailed documentation and participate in in‑depth technical reviews to ensure robust and scalable design solutions.

What You Will Do

• Develop and design components and assemblies for electrochemical cell stacks to meet functional requirements while minimizing cost; order and inspect components for compliance with specifications
• Perform engineering calculations to support design concepts, including:
  • Stress analysis / FEA for mechanical robustness
  • CFD for fluid flow distribution
  • Tolerance modeling
• Use PTC Creo to create detailed drawings, assemblies, and bills of materials
• Assemble and test cell stacks and associated systems using equipment and hand tools
• Prepare test plans, technical reports, drawings, and assembly processes
• Conduct research and testing to extend electrochemical cell stack functionality, including:
  • Identifying cost‑reduction opportunities
  • Improving system reliability
  • Exploring new applications for existing technology
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to:
  • Design for manufacturability and volume production
  • Develop inspection criteria
  • Evaluate component suppliers
• Support manufacturing in the disposition of non‑conforming products and assist technical service teams with troubleshooting field returns

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
• 3‑8 years of industry‐related experience (e.g., fuel cells, fluidics, gas separation, flow batteries, piping systems, pressure vessels), or PhD in a related field
• 3+ years of experience designing and analyzing precision components for complex assemblies
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment
• Experience with design of pressure containment devices or sealing systems
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including molding, machining, forming, and joining methods
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations
• Experience with supplier interaction and evaluation
• Working familiarity with safe work practices and hazard analysis

Preferred Skills

• Experience with 3D CAD (PTC Creo strongly preferred)
• Experience with FEA (PTC Simulate or ANSYS preferred) or CFD (ANSYS CFX)
• Experience with project planning

What We Can Offer

• An opportunity to work in a company in strong growth and a leading position in the market.
• A visible role with many exciting interfaces, internally and externally.
• The opportunity to work in a global company that contributes to the green transition.
• A dynamic and highly professional working environment consisting of competent and committed colleagues.

Nel Hydrogen provides comprehensive health and insurance benefits for its employees as well as a short‑term incentive program. The Company offers competitive paid vacation time, sick leave, and holidays.

About Nel Hydrogen

Nel Hydrogen is the global leader in on‑site hydrogen generation and the largest electrolyser manufacturer in the world. Nel Hydrogen is leading the charge into the new green hydrogen economy.

Visas

• Nel will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided.
• Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F‑1, H‑1, H‑2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

We are an equal opportunity employer-M/F/Disabled/Veteran and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: FederalEnglish.pdf