Fuel Cell Engineers

Career summary

Fuel cells are devices that produce energy between a fuel and an oxidant. These devices can be used to power cars, buses, and even computer batteries. In fact, fuel cells can be used to power nearly anything that needs energy to work.

Because they don’t require fossil fuels, such as oil, fuel cells are environmentally friendly. Fuel cell engineers work on developing fuel cells.

Fuel cell engineers generally work on developing ways to make fuel cells more reliable and efficient. Fuel cell engineers spend a lot of time developing and testing fuel cells. They analyze test results and write reports.

They often use this data to perform more tests and experiments. Engineers may oversee the production of fuel cells.

Fuel cell engineers work in a variety of industries, including:

• Automotive
• Computing
• Aerospace
• Telecommunications

Fuel cell engineers must have a strong set of skills. They must have very strong math and science skills. In addition, they must be creative, analytical, and flexible. Being able to communicate technical concepts in a clear way is also very important.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aerospace Engineers
• Chemical Engineers
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Energy Engineers
• Fuel Cell Technicians
• Materials Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Nanotechnologists
• Physicists
• Renewable Energy Engineers
• Science Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to fuel cell engineers.

• Use test stations, instruments, and diagnostic tools to test fuel cell projects.
• Design fuel cell tests and programs.
• Write reports and proposals.
• Plan projects with other engineers, suppliers, and technicians.
• Release new fuel cell products for production.
• Define specifications for fuel cell materials.
• Plan and conduct experiments to test new materials.
• Calculate the efficiency of fuel cells.
• Study problems revealed by tests and experiments.
• Read literature, attend conferences, and talk with colleagues to stay up to date.
• Use computer software to simulate motors and engines.
• Analyze data using software.
• Recommend changes to programs.

Common work activities

Fuel cell engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Analyze data or information
• Document and record information
• Use computers
• Think creatively
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Get information needed to do the job
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Process information
• Develop goals and strategies
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Schedule work and activities
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Teach others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Coach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Develop and build teams
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Provide advice and consultation to others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, fuel cell engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of contact with others. They sometimes work alone during projects but also work with other engineers and technicians.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of their clients.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by others.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Sometimes write letters and memos.
• Communicate via e-mail and in person on a daily basis. They also talk to others on the telephone.

Physical work conditions

• Mostly work indoors. Occasionally work outdoors to test projects and prototypes.
• Sometimes wear protective and safety gear, such as goggles.
• Occasionally are exposed to hazardous conditions.

Work performance

• Must be exact and accurate when performing the job. Fuel cells require precision to work properly.
• Must meet strict monthly and weekly deadlines.
• Make decisions that impact co-workers and their company's reputation.
• Can set most of their daily tasks and goals without consulting with a supervisor.
• Work in a moderately stressful atmosphere.

Hours/travel

• Work full-time.
• Often work overtime to meet project deadlines.
• Usually work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Fuel cell engineers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for fuel cell engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for fuel cell engineers to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

Skills and abilities

Fuel cell engineers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Other programs of study to consider

• Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Pre-Engineering

Training

To work as a fuel cell engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree in chemical or mechanical engineering.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in chemical or mechanical engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer these programs of study. You may need between four and five years to complete one of these programs. Some two-year colleges have agreements with the engineering departments at four-year schools. These agreements allow you to take your first two years of courses at the two-year college. Then you move to the university for the last two years. Some liberal arts schools have similar programs to prepare you for engineering schools.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree (PhD). For instance, if you are interested in teaching fuel cell engineering at a college you need a PhD. Also, many student engineers go to graduate school to specialize or work in advanced positions.

Work experience

It is helpful to have technical or related engineering work experience. Working as an intern during college is a great way to gain experience.

On-the-job training

New workers often learn additional skills on the job. The length of training may vary.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Algebra
• Computer Science
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Physical Science

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require that fuel cell engineers have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. Employers also look for people with strong communication and math skills. For research positions employers usually seek applicants with a graduate degree in engineering.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

• either senior standing at, or an engineering degree from, a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of education and work experience; and
• passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

• completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
• four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer or a combination of work experience and education; and
• passing a written exam.

Engineers who want to be licensed must pay an exam fee to the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors and a $65 fee for the initial state exam application. The state licence renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers must be licensed.

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program 
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

#added 10/16/14 lh. No changes to licensing info, 4/19/16 cj. Removed reference to licensing fees for Engineers-in-Training as couldn't find; rest ok 4/2/18 cj.

All states require engineers who offer their services directly to the public to be licensed. Most states require engineering interns to be certified. Requirements vary by state.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Mechanical Engineers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The engineer's level of training, experience, and responsibility also affect wages.

Fuel cell engineers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

National wage information is not available specifically for fuel cell engineers. However, they are part of the larger group of "mechanical engineers."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Engineering firms
• Federal government agencies

National outlook

Emerging technologies, such as fuel cell technology, will create new job opportunities. Opportunities will be best for those with training in the latest software tools. Such tools allow engineers and designers to eliminate the need for prototypes.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for fuel cell engineers. However, they are part of the larger group of "mechanical engineers."

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

American Chemical Society 
1155 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.227.5558

American Institute of Chemical Engineers 
120 Wall Street, Floor 23
New York, NY 10005
800.242.4363

American Society of Mechanical Engineers 
Two Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
800.843.2763

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy information 
(US Department of Energy)

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 
901 D Street SW, Suite 930
Washington, DC 20024
202.488.2200

National Science Foundation 
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

US Department of Energy 
(Renewable energy information - hydrogen and fuel cells)

US Department of Energy: Clean Energy Training Programs 

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Fuel Cell Engineers (17-2141.01) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Enterprising