Details Report for:
17-3029.10 - Fuel Cell Technicians
Install, operate, or maintain integrated fuel cell systems in transportation, stationary, or portable applications.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Assemble fuel cells or fuel cell stacks according to mechanical or electrical assembly documents or schematics.
- Build fuel cell prototypes, following engineering specifications.
- Calibrate equipment used for fuel cell testing.
- Collect or maintain fuel cell test data.
- Document or analyze fuel cell test data, using spreadsheets or other computer software.
- Perform routine or preventive maintenance on fuel cell test equipment.
- Report results of fuel cell tests.
- Test fuel cells or fuel cell stacks, using complex electronic equipment.
- Order fuel cell testing materials.
- Perform routine vehicle maintenance procedures, such as part replacements or tune-ups.
- Recommend improvements to fuel cell design or performance.
- Troubleshoot fuel cell test equipment.
- Conduct tests or provide technical support for tests of prototype fuel cell engines or thermal management systems.
- Install or test spark ignition (SI) or compression ignition (CI) engines.
- Install, calibrate, or operate emissions analyzers, cell assist software, fueling systems, or air conditioning systems in engine testing systems.
- Perform electrochemical performance or durability testing of solid oxide fuel cells.
Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Tools used in this occupation:
| Ammeters |
| Calculators or accessories — Graphing calculators; Scientific calculators |
| Calorimeters |
| Chemical absorption gas analyzers — Exhaust gas analyzers |
| Clamp On Multimeter — Alternating current AC clamp meters; Direct current DC clamp meters |
| Conductivity meters — Conductivity probes |
| Flowmeters — Flow meters |
| Frequency analyzers — Frequency response analyzers |
| Heat exchangers |
| Impedance meters — Fuel cell monitors |
| Multimeters — Digital multimeters |
| Ohmmeters — Volt-ohm meters VOM |
| Pressure indicators — Gas pressure gauges |
| Refrigerated and heated reach in environmental or growth chambers — Altitude test chambers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — Data acquisition software; Load simulators |
| Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD software |
| Data base user interface and query software — Oracle software |
| Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Employment data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Industry data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
| Median wages (2010) | $27.89 hourly, $58,020 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 77,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 18,500 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing (28% employed in this sector)
Government (24%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Engineering technicians
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.