Systems Engineering Intern – PEM Fuel Cell Systems

2026 Summer Systems Engineering Intern – PEM Fuel Cell Systems

Status: Non-Exempt (hourly)

Department: Systems Engineering - 283

Term: Summer 2026

Position Summary

Plug Power Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineering Intern to support PEM fuel cell product development activities during Summer 2026. This role is aligned with the lower-left portion of the systems engineering V-model, where system architecture has been largely defined and requirements decomposition is substantially complete.

The intern will focus on requirements tracking, verification planning, risk management, and test execution support within a PEM fuel cell OEM environment. This position provides hands-on exposure to how complex electro-mechanical systems are verified, validated, and matured through the product development lifecycle.

Learning Objectives

In this role, the intern will:

Gain hands-on experience applying the systems engineering V-process to a real-world PEM fuel cell product

Learn how system and subsystem requirements are tracked, refined, and managed through verification

Understand how technical risk is assessed, updated, and communicated throughout product development

Develop skills in verification planning, test execution, and data analysis

Build professional communication and presentation skills through interaction with engineers, technicians, and management

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The Systems Engineering Intern will:

Track and maintain system and subsystem requirement status, including verification state and traceability

Support clean-up and refinement of existing requirements and requirement allocations, as needed

Update and manage technical risk registers, including likelihood, severity, mitigation plans, and status

Generate subsystem-level verification and validation test plans aligned with system requirements

Support execution or witnessing of subsystem and system-level tests

Analyze test data and document results, conclusions, and follow-on actions

Assist in preparing technical documentation and presentations for internal design reviews and program milestones

Education and Qualification

Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline

Strong analytical skills with attention to detail

Interest in systems engineering, fuel cell technology, or complex electro-mechanical systems

Comfortable working with technical documentation, data analysis, and engineering tools

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and follow-through

Must have reliable transportation to the office