Summer Internship OR Semester Co-Op
Status: Non-Exempt (hourly)
Department: Fuel cell/electrolyzer R&D, Rochester NY
Position Summary
Plug Power Inc. is actively seeking a highly motivated student to join our team. The student will be responsible for assisting Circular Recycling for Hydrogen Economy in a wide variety of initiatives and projects in support of your academic studies and interests. In this role, you will gain exposure to a fast-paced manufacturing and engineering environment which includes developing a detailed understanding of Plug Power's products. The role will focus on R&D and process development for Fuel cell and Electrolyzer membrane electrode assembly (MEA) recycling - precious metal and ionomer recovery.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the life cycle of the high value fuel cell and electrolyzer components.
- Gain experience on industrial R&D and process development
- Develop problem solving skills in an industrial approach
- Professional development - teamwork, time management, networking, etc.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
- Support the R&D activities on fuel cell and electrolyzer MEA, electrode, ink, waste recovery/recycling
- Assist to develop a scalable process for precious metal and ionomer recovery
- Assist to identify the challenges in the process development
- Assist to life cycle analysis and process economic analysis
- Assist to equipment selection and testing
- Assist to prepare progress, status and forecast reports on multiple key aspects of the assigned area of responsibility
- Flexibility and the ability to meet strict requirements to tight schedules
- Work professionally and cooperatively in a cross-functional team environment with a focus upon maximizing novel MEA performance and customer satisfaction
- Represent Plug Power in a professional manner in all interactions; support the philosophy of the organization to provide high-performing technology to maximize customer satisfaction
- Perform all other duties as assigned
Education and Qualification
- Pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Master's or PhD degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering or other STEM field of study required.
- Proficiency in the use of MS Excel and Word is required
- Chemical or mechanical lab experience is a plus
- Experience on data acquisition, processing, and automation is a plus
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Possess solid hands-on approach to problem-solving
- Demonstrated analytical abilities with strong attention to detail
- Must work effectively within the team to meet objectives under time constraints
- Must be driven and self-motivated
Estimated Base Salary Range:
$21.00 - $25.00
