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

Estimated Base Salary Range:

$21.00 - $25.00