top of page

Fuel Cell Industry: Demanded Careers in a Rapidly Growing Industry

Writer's picture: Bk EngineeringBk Engineering

Updated: Jan 24, 2023



The fuel cell industry is on the rise, and with it comes a plethora of exciting career opportunities. As the world shifts towards clean and sustainable energy sources, fuel cells are becoming increasingly popular as a reliable and efficient source of power. The industry is projected to grow at a staggering rate in the coming years, and with it, the demand for skilled professionals will also increase. This blog will explore some of the most high-demand careers in the fuel cell industry, including job titles, qualifications, and earning potential. Whether you're an experienced professional or a recent graduate, this is the perfect time to consider a career in the fuel cell industry. So, without further ado, let's dive in!


1. Modeling and Data Analysis Engineer

You will design models for the fuel cell, vehicle, and engine in this position. These models are provided to OEMs for use in simulations. Finally, a model that is accurate enough to depict what a physical system will do is required for simulation.

The data is analyzed by the modeling and data analysis engineer, who attempts to discover the parameters of the fuel cell stack and ultracapacitor. The ultimate goal is to make a model of it and sell it to customers.

2. PACKAGING DESIGN ROLE

The task of package design includes determining the best possible packaging for all components, including fuel cells, batteries, ultracapacitors, electric motors, and so on. This position necessitates a thorough understanding of CAD design and tools such as CREO and SolidWorks.

3. SIMULATION ENGINEER

A simulation engineer is someone who works with the modeling data that modeling engineers offer. Because it's impossible to test everything in a physical system using a fuel cell and a car, simulations are used to test specific parts.

The control software is run on both the fuel cell and car models to ensure that the control system is functioning properly. If it isn't working as expected, the source of the problem must be identified.

4. FUNCTION DEVELOPER

Many firms offer software that allows you to handle all of the factors, such as hydrogen supply, water management, and thermal management. To manage these variables, you'll need software like Asset or MATLAB. The function developers' job is to create Matlab functions to control all of those parameters.

5. SYSTEM TEST ENGINEER

As the name implies, a system test engineer will be responsible for testing a variety of systems depending on requirements. You can use the vehicle's fuel cells or standalone fuel cells. The testing processes are all the same. You must figure out what works and what doesn't after you've been trained to run tests.

If some features do not function as expected, there is an issue with the software. As a result, you'll need to collaborate with the function developers to resolve the issue and improve the system.

6. SYSTEM INTEGRATION ENGINEER

This position is critical for a variety of vehicle components. The integration engineer ensures that all of the systems are connected and functioning properly. It's a high-learning role because you'll learn a lot about the whole vehicle as well as individual components.

7. HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM ENGINEER


The battery and fuel cell are high-voltage components of the car. As a result, you must design systems to ensure that voltages do not reach extremes. The high-voltage system engineer ensures that this is the case. This profession necessitates a great deal of electrical engineering.



8. CALIBRATION ENGINEER

You will need to undertake some adjustments after the function developers have completed the software. A calibration engineer's job is to do just that. The calibration engineer adjusts the parameters to provide the greatest and most optimum performance from the system.

9. SYSTEM DESIGN ENGINEER

For entry-level engineers, the post of the system design engineer is uncommon. In some circumstances, though, it is still possible to become one at the entry level. The function developer's task is to create requirements for the system design engineer. The position necessitates a strong background as well as extensive knowledge of the system in question.

If you're working on a fuel cell, for example, you'll need to know a lot about the fuel cell and the electric power train to develop specifications. It is possible to work as a systems engineer, however, it is a rare occurrence. It usually necessitates some prior experience.


Job Roles at the Senior-Level


1. SYSTEM ENGINEERING LEAD

After gaining expertise as a function developer, you can advance to lead systems engineer, where you will design everything.

2. FUEL CELL DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

The position requires working on the development of fuel cells, as the title suggests. The position focuses on electrical and chemical engineering. On a basic level, you're attempting to increase performance and chemical processes.

3. DESIGNER OF FUNCTIONAL SAFETY

A functional safety engineer ensures that all of the vehicle's components are functioning properly. These operations are required to ensure the driver's safety.

4. TECHNICAL SPECIALIST

A technical specialist is someone who has a broad and deep understanding of the topic. The majority of lead systems engineers and function developers seek advice from technical experts. The goal is to apply your knowledge and provide comments to ensure that everything is on track.

5. DIRECTOR OF PROJECTS

This mid-to-senior management position is similar to that of a typical project manager. It is the responsibility of this position to guarantee that jobs are given and deadlines are completed.

6. MANAGER OF SYSTEM DESIGN

The systems design manager reports to the systems test engineers.

7. MANAGER OF CALIBRATION

The calibration manager is in charge of supervising and collaborating with the calibration engineers.

Top Management Roles



When it comes to automotive, the top-ranking positions are Principal Engineer/Chief Vehicle Engineer and Software and Calibration Department Leader. The Toyota Mirai, for example, will have a chief vehicle engineer in charge of presenting the complete car. The job requires a high level of accountability.

Powertrain Department Managers are held to the same standard. These individuals are in charge of delivering the full powertrain software. As the leader of the powertrain department, you are responsible for ensuring that all of the components are operational, thus you are in charge of a variety of job functions.

How to Break Into This Industry

Using Matlab/Simulink to get into function development is a frequent approach to get into this field. Big OEMs like Toyota and Mercedes are looking for function developers to help them build in-house software for their powertrains rather than relying on suppliers like Bosch.

It's also feasible to start in this industry as a test engineer and work your way up. Getting into systems engineering is doable if you have a solid technical foundation in fuel cells and automobiles.

The majority of system engineering takes place outside of India. Recent advancements, however, have been made. Tata Motors, for example, has collaborated with ISRO to create a fuel cell, while Log9 Materials, a Bengaluru-based fuel cell firm, has received $3.5 million in funding.

To sum up:

As you can see, the fuel cell business offers a wide range of job opportunities. All of them, however, necessitate a significant amount of effort in terms of learning and direction to develop an impressive portfolio of actual projects.


Follow BK Engineering on Social Media:


6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentarios

Obtuvo 0 de 5 estrellas.
Aún no hay calificaciones

Agrega una calificación
bottom of page