Occupations · Architecture and Engineering

Fuel Cell Engineers

Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.

O*NET 30.3 Database (USDOL/ETA) · occupation code 17-2141.01

What people in this job actually do

Ordered by how important the work is rated.

Plan or conduct experiments to validate new materials, optimize startup protocols, reduce conditioning time, or examine contaminant tolerance.
Provide technical consultation or direction related to the development or production of fuel cell systems.
Characterize component or fuel cell performances by generating operating maps, defining operating conditions, identifying design refinements, or executing durability assessments.
Plan or implement fuel cell cost reduction or product improvement projects in collaboration with other engineers, suppliers, support personnel, or customers.
Conduct fuel cell testing projects, using fuel cell test stations, analytical instruments, or electrochemical diagnostics, such as cyclic voltammetry or impedance spectroscopy.
Analyze fuel cell or related test data, using statistical software.
Conduct post-service or failure analyses, using electromechanical diagnostic principles or procedures.
Define specifications for fuel cell materials.
Recommend or implement changes to fuel cell system designs.
Validate design of fuel cells, fuel cell components, or fuel cell systems.
Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, or talk with colleagues to stay abreast of new technology or competitive products.
Prepare test stations, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems for use in specific tests of fuel cell components or systems.

O*NET 30.3 task ratings, importance scale

Skills that matter most

Importance, rated 1 to 5.

Critical Thinking4.0

Reading Comprehension4.0

Science3.8

Writing3.8

Speaking3.8

Monitoring3.6

Active Listening3.6

Active Learning3.6

Mathematics3.5

Learning Strategies3.1

O*NET 30.3 skills, importance scale

Software and tools

A dot marks what O*NET flags as in demand.

Autodesk AutoCAD●C●C++●Microsoft Excel●Microsoft Office software●Microsoft Outlook●Microsoft PowerPoint●Microsoft Windows●Microsoft Word●Oracle Database●Python●The MathWorks MATLAB●ASPEN PLUSAnsoft SimplorerAnsys FluentFactSageFailure mode and effects analysis FMEA softwareGE Energy GateCycleGaussian GaussViewGaussian softwareIBM CloudMaplesoft MapleMathWorks SimulinkMinitabNational Instruments LabVIEWStatistical softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareWind River Systems C/C++ Compiler Suite

O*NET 30.3 software skills · hot-technology flag

What this work is actually like

Conditions rated against the average across all occupations — only what makes this job different is listed.

4 / 5Considerable preparation — a four-year degree plus several years in the field.

O*NET 30.3 Job Zones

Working conditions that stand out

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions+1.6 above average

Frequency of Decision Making−1.4 below average

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets+1.4 above average

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions−1.3 below average

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People−1.2 below average

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks−1.2 below average

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results−1.1 below average

O*NET 30.3 work context, frequency scale · observed 2022-08

How people actually get in

Share of workers by the education they hold.

Bachelor's Degree57%

Master's Degree43%

O*NET 30.2 education, training and experience · observed 2022-08

What kind of person the work suits

Occupational interest profile, rated 1 to 7.

Realistic5.5

Investigative5.4

Conventional4.1

O*NET 30.2 occupational interests (RIASEC)

What you take with you

Skills rated for how well they transfer into other occupations.

Judgment and Decision Making3.6

Systems Evaluation3.6

Systems Analysis3.6

Complex Problem Solving3.2

Operations Monitoring3.1

Quality Control Analysis3.1

Coordination3.0

Instructing3.0

O*NET 30.3 transferable skills, importance scale

Knowledge the work draws on

Engineering and TechnologyChemistryMathematicsDesignPhysicsComputers and Electronics

Abilities it leans on

Oral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionOral ExpressionInductive ReasoningDeductive ReasoningProblem Sensitivity

O*NET 30.3 abilities and knowledge, importance scale

How this job is advertised

The same work is posted under many titles — this is what to search for.

EngineerStack EngineerResearch EngineerFuel Cell DesignerFuel Cell EngineerSubsystems EngineerDesign Cell EngineerFuel Cell Test EngineerSpace Battery TechnicianFuel Cell Systems Engineer

O*NET 30.3 job titles reported for this occupation

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What changed since 2015

Comparing O*NET release 20.1 (2015-10-01) with 30.3 (2026-05-01). Signs, not colour alone, carry the meaning. 2 entries that were only relabelled between releases are left out.

Now listed 7

+IBM Cloud+Microsoft Outlook+Python+The MathWorks MATLAB+Microsoft Windows+MathWorks Simulink+Oracle Database

No longer listed 1

−The MathWorks Simulink

Diff across the O*NET releases held here in full since October 2015, following occupations through merges and retirements. O*NET re-surveys occupations on a rolling cycle, so “no change” can also mean “not re-surveyed”.

O*NET 30.3 related occupations

Also called

EngineerStack EngineerSenior EngineerSenior ScientistDivision DirectorResearch EngineerBattery TechnicianScientist/EngineerFuel Cell EngineerFuel Cell DesignerSubsystems EngineerDesign Cell Engineer

O*NET 30.3 alternative titles

The same work in Europe

ESCO occupation	ISCO	Match
renewable energy engineer	2149.7.3	close

Official ESCO ↔ O*NET crosswalk (ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA)

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