Mechanical Engineer II

PLUG POWER INC; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 79,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) with 5% company match

Bonus eligibility

Paid time off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Plug Power Inc. in Rochester, NY is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II (Stack Engineering) to design fuel cell stack components and integrate them into assemblies.

You will build large 3D CAD models, create part drawings, and maintain BOMs while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to meet cost, manufacturability, performance and reliability targets. The role requires hands‑on prototyping, testing, DFMEA, and design reviews, with Creo/Windchill experience and up to 10% travel.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in mechanical design from concept through production
• Experience with fuel cell components or fuel cell systems preferred
• Strong CAD modeling, drawings and BOM skills (Creo/Windchill preferred)
• Familiarity with GD&T and analysis methods for design verification

Responsibilities

• Support design activities for fuel stack components from concept to production release
• Create and maintain large 3D CAD assembly models and part drawings
• Conduct hands-on prototype builds and testing to validate design feasibility
• Coordinate with stack manufacturing and suppliers to ensure quality and cost targets

Skills

CAD modeling

Creo/Windchill

GD&T

FEA/CFD

Prototype testing

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

Windchill

Job description

Mechanical Engineer II (Stack Engineering)

Status: Exempt (Salaried)

Department: Stack Engineering - 389

Location: Rochester, NY

Position Summary

In this exciting and creative role, you will be responsible for the design of custom fuel cell stack components and incorporation into higher level assemblies (both existing and new product configurations). Using engineering fundamentals, tools, and techniques, you will be responsible for the detailed design of various fuel cell components to meet cost, manufacturability, performance, and reliability requirements. The ideal candidate must be able to create and maintain large 3D CAD assembly models, individual part models/drawings, and associated bills of materials. As part of a cross functional team, you will plan out and conduct hands‑on prototype builds and testing to validate design functionality and feasibility for production release. The candidate should be creative, self-motivated, detail oriented, and able to handle multiple project assignments within a fast-paced engineering organization including ability to resolve quality and manufacturing related stack issues. This role is to be based out of Plug Power's Rochester Innovation Center.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Support required engineering design activities for fuel stack components from concept through detailed design, prototyping, and production release. Develop and apply engineering fundamentals, modeling tools, and analysis techniques to ensure design requirements are met. Background in FEA and/or CFD is preferred. Create and maintain large 3D CAD system assembly models, individual part drawings, and bills of materials (Creo experience preferred). Apply tolerance analyses and associated GD&T as required to ensure proper component fit and functionality. Plan out and conduct hands‑on prototype builds and testing to validate design functionality and feasibility for production release. Work with stack manufacturing, quality, and associated suppliers to ensure low cost, manufacturable, high quality components at required production volumes. Address and resolve design issues as part of prototype and production stack builds. Support required design changes as part of the change control process. Conduct Design Failure Mode and Effect (DFMEA) Analyses as required. Conduct design reviews and develop required design documentation as required. Support initiatives for new applications, cost reduction, performance & durability improvements. Support engineering studies and investigations. Support stack testing activities including component characterization, small scale cell performance, and full scale stack acceptance testing. Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions. Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Minimum BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. 3+ years in the design and development of products from concept through detailed design, prototyping, and production release. Experience in fuel cell stack design or fuel cell systems is preferred. Strong background in CAD modeling, drawings, and Bill of Materials (both component and assembly level). Creo / Windchill experience preferred. Experience with use & application of GD&T, FEA, CFD, DFMEAs preferred. Experience with rapid prototyping, high volume manufacturing, DFA, and DFM preferred. Experience with Engineering Change Management processes (ECR, ECN) preferred. Experience in various manufacturing processes (metal forming & welding, coatings, machining, injection molding, etc.) is preferred. Ability to manage complex projects and multi-task effectively with demonstrated analytical skills, attention to detail, and superior communication (written, verbal) skills. Must be driven, self-motivated, and with an excellent track record of project follow through. Must possess the highest ethical standards and a commitment to work quality. Ability to travel for business need up to 10% of the time. Ability to work out of Plug Power’s Rochester Innovation Center. Exempt employees are expected to work as many hours as is necessary to complete their job responsibilities. This may require more than eight hours a day and more than five days or 40 hours per week.

Pay Rate

Pay Rate: $79,200.00 - $118,800.00

Benefits

• 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
• Fertility and Family Building Benefit
• Employee Referral program
• Employee Assistance Program

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

Our employees create products every day that are changing the way energy is produced and delivered. We thrive on innovation by fostering a learning environment that creates new, real-world products and applications. Join our team as we rapidly expand into key markets like zero-emission on-road vehicles, robotics, and stationary power - Be a part of the climate solution! To learn more, download the brochure. Check out these videos to learn more about PLUG: Plug Power's Culture Code Who is Plug? Manufacturing Electrolyzers at scale Megawatt Fuel Cell Power Generation System Implementing Fuel Cells in Material Handling