Fuel Cell Technician Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the fuel cell technician job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the fuel cell technician role by most recruiters/employers.

What Does a Fuel Cell Technician Do?

A fuel cell technician installs, operates, maintains, and repairs fuel cell systems that generate clean electricity through an electrochemical reaction.

According to Auto Training Centre, a fuel cell technician works with technicians, scientists, and engineers, to design and assemble fuel cells following the right mechanical or electrical specifications.

Fuel cell techs typically report to an operations manager, facilities manager, or chief engineer at companies and institutions that utilize fuel cells for primary or backup power.

Major employers include manufacturing plants, data centers, hospitals, universities, wastewater treatment plants, and other facilities across the manufacturing, utility, and public sectors.

The role requires an Associate degree or certificate in electro-mechanical engineering technology, along with on-the-job training and industry certifications.

The core duties that make up the fuel cell technician job description include monitoring, routine maintenance, troubleshooting issues, performing repairs, and ensuring the safe, reliable functioning of fuel cell systems.

Fuel techs may also train others, recommend system enhancements, and liaise with engineering teams.

With many countries prioritizing investments in hydrogen infrastructure and fuel switching, government incentives are spurring hiring growth for skilled fuel cell technicians.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel cell technology is expected to experience growth in the near future into areas such as light duty vehicles, portable power, stationary power generation, and specialty transportation, including buses and ground support equipment.

Employers prefer candidates with strong technical aptitude, problem-solving ability, communication skills, and attention to detail.

In the U.S., key regulators include OSHA for health and safety policies and the EPA regarding environmental rules.

Local fire marshals also oversee the safe handling, storage and use of hydrogen fuel.

Fuel Cell Technician Job Description Example/Sample/Template

Fuel cell technicians are integral for ensuring peak performance and longevity of fuel cell systems.

The fuel cell technician job description typically consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Monitoring fuel cell system dashboards, meters, and control sensors
• Performing routine maintenance like cleaning, calibrating sensors, leak checks
• Recording voltage, current, temperature readings for optimal efficiency
• Diagnosing issues using data analysis and testing equipment
• Troubleshooting balance-of-plant components like compressors, valves, pumps
• Repairing components or facilitating replacement of damaged parts
• Documenting all maintenance activities and irregularities in logs
• Installing instrumentation and safety features during new system deployments
• Conducting regular inspections on fuel cell stacks and reformer systems
• Performing stack replacement when end-of-life is reached
• Ensuring safe handling of hydrogen, fuel streams, and hazardous byproducts
• Maintaining spare parts inventory and placing orders as needed
• Providing operational status updates to facilities management 
• Responding quickly whenever there’s an emergency shutdown, leak, or other issue
• Collaborating with engineering teams when necessary to make system modifications.
• Providing on the job training, to technicians as required
• Staying updated on the safety standards and best practices
• Proactively suggesting improvements of waiting for something to break.
• Adhering to all safety regulations
• Engaging third party specialists for repairs
• Maintaining cleanliness and proper condition of tools, testing equipment and safety gear.
• Safely locking out/tagging equipment before performing any work on it
• Being available for afterhours calls when assigned to duty
• Properly disposing of used fuel cell parts in a manner
• Demonstrating professionalism when interacting with clients.

Fuel Cell Technician Job Description for Resume

If you have worked previously as a fuel cell technician or are presently working in that role and are making a new resume or CV, then you can craft a compelling resume or CV for your resume by applying the sample fuel cell technician job description provided above.

You can highlight the major duties and responsibilities you have carried out or are presently performing as a fuel cell technician in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the fuel cell technician job description example above.

This will show to the recruiter/employer that you have been successful performing the fuel cell technician duties, which can greatly boost your chances of being hired for the new position you are seeking, especially if it requires some fuel cell technician work experience.

Fuel Cell Technician Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for a Successful Career

To excel in the role of a fuel cell technician, one must possess a combination of skills, knowledge, and capabilities.

Here are some of the important ones to have, which are usually required by most recruiters/employers when hiring for the fuel cell technician role:

• Understanding of all components, within fuel cell systems and their functioning
• Possess knowledge and proficiency in operating voltmeters pressure sensors, thermometers and other equipment
• Demonstrate an understanding of thermodynamics and electrochemistry fundamentals
• Be well acquainted with DC/AC power systems and transmission equipment
• Exhibit comprehension of components, like compressors and pumps, technical diagrams, schematics and manuals effortlessly
• Utilize diagnostic software and maintenance systems adeptly
• Apply troubleshooting techniques and analytical thinking skills
• Determine the cause when performance issues arise
• Make decisions regarding repair or replacement of parts
• Handle emergencies with safety measures in place and authority
• Communicate effectively with engineers, clients and vendors
• Explain technical concepts clearly using language for understanding
• Maintain a demeanor representing the company in the field
• Efficiently manage maintenance schedules across systems
• Prioritize tasks across systems
• Maintain recordkeeping and documentation practices
• Adhere, to procedures and quality control protocols diligently
• Notice subtle changes that may indicate issues.

Fuel Cell Technician Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022 fuel cell technicians earned a salary of $59,500 across the nation.

The states, with the top 5 salaries were California ( $73,840) Washington ($69,790) Oregon ($69,450) Colorado ($67,180) and Massachusetts ($66,840).

So if you work as a fuel cell technician, you can make an income, especially if you’re able to relocate to California or Washington.

However, even if you can’t move to those states, the typical pay still amounts to around $60k regardless of where you live.

Conclusion

As society increasingly transitions towards clean energy sources, fuel cells play a role, in ensuring a sustainable future.

No two days are ever the same for fuel cell techs installing and caring for these complex systems. The job lets you constantly learn and drive adoption of awesome clean tech.

Now more than ever, fuel cell techs will be relied upon to realize the promise of reliable carbon-free power.

For those interested in launching or advancing a hands-on, high-demand sustainability career, there may be no better time to skill up.

Likewise, employers urgently need qualified candidates that understand the intricacies of fuel cell technology.

In this post, we provided the fuel cell technician job description, including what they do daily, sample duties, essential skills, and knowledge areas, as well as salary insights.

While rewarding, the role requires diligent effort to master. For the right candidate, a job as a fuel technician paved with professional challenges also promises immense opportunity to enact positive environmental change.