Summary Report for:
17-2141.01 - Fuel Cell Engineers
Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for 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
- Analyze fuel cell or related test data, using statistical software.
- Calculate the efficiency or power output of a fuel cell system or process.
- Characterize component or fuel cell performances by generating operating maps, defining operating conditions, identifying design refinements, or executing durability assessments.
- Conduct fuel cell testing projects, using fuel cell test stations, analytical instruments, or electrochemical diagnostics, such as cyclic voltammetry or impedance spectroscopy.
- Conduct post-service or failure analyses, using electromechanical diagnostic principles or procedures.
- Design fuel cell systems, subsystems, stacks, assemblies, or components, such as electric traction motors or power electronics.
- Design or implement fuel cell testing or development programs.
- Develop fuel cell materials or fuel cell test equipment.
- Fabricate prototypes of fuel cell components, assemblies, stacks, or systems.
- Identify or define vehicle and system integration challenges for fuel cell vehicles.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Homogenizers — Digital sonifiers; Ultrasonic blenders |
| Infrared spectrometers — Fourier transfer infrared FTIR spectrometers; Infrared IR spectrophotometers |
| Power meters — Load boxes; Power analyzers |
| Scanning electron microscopes — Scanning electron microscopes SEM |
| Thermo gravimetry analyzers — Thermal gravimetric analyzers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — FactSage; Gaussian GaussView; GE Energy GateCycle; Wolfram Research Mathematica |
| Development environment software — C; National Instruments LabVIEW; Wind River Systems C/C++ Compiler Suite |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Mechanical Engineers.
Employment data collected from Mechanical Engineers.
Industry data collected from Mechanical Engineers.
| Median wages (2010) | $37.58 hourly, $78,160 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 239,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 75,700 |
| Top industries (2008) |
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.
- Engineers
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.