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 productLearn how system and subsystem requirements are tracked, refined, and managed through verificationUnderstand how technical risk is assessed, updated, and communicated throughout product developmentDevelop skills in verification planning, test execution, and data analysisBuild 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 traceabilitySupport clean-up and refinement of existing requirements and requirement allocations, as neededUpdate and manage technical risk registers, including likelihood, severity, mitigation plans, and statusGenerate subsystem-level verification and validation test plans aligned with system requirementsSupport execution or witnessing of subsystem and system-level testsAnalyze test data and document results, conclusions, and follow-on actionsAssist 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 disciplineStrong analytical skills with attention to detailInterest in systems engineering, fuel cell technology, or complex electro-mechanical systemsComfortable working with technical documentation, data analysis, and engineering toolsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsSelf-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and follow-throughMust have reliable transportation to the office

Estimated Base Salary Range:

$21.00 - $25.00