Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) Recycling Internship

Summer Internship OR Semester Co-Op

Status: Non-Exempt (hourly)

Department: Fuel cell/electrolyzer R&D, Rochester NY

Position Summary

Plug Power Inc. is actively seeking a highly motivated student to join our team. The student will be responsible for assisting Circular Recycling for Hydrogen Economy in a wide variety of initiatives and projects in support of your academic studies and interests. In this role, you will gain exposure to a fast-paced manufacturing and engineering environment which includes developing a detailed understanding of Plug Power's products. The role will focus on R&D and process development for Fuel cell and Electrolyzer membrane electrode assembly (MEA) recycling - precious metal and ionomer recovery.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the life cycle of the high value fuel cell and electrolyzer components.

• Gain experience on industrial R&D and process development

• Develop problem solving skills in an industrial approach

• Professional development - teamwork, time management, networking, etc.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the R&D activities on fuel cell and electrolyzer MEA, electrode, ink, waste recovery/recycling

• Assist to develop a scalable process for precious metal and ionomer recovery

• Assist to identify the challenges in the process development

• Assist to life cycle analysis and process economic analysis

• Assist to equipment selection and testing

• Assist to prepare progress, status and forecast reports on multiple key aspects of the assigned area of responsibility

• Flexibility and the ability to meet strict requirements to tight schedules

• Work professionally and cooperatively in a cross-functional team environment with a focus upon maximizing novel MEA performance and customer satisfaction

• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner in all interactions; support the philosophy of the organization to provide high-performing technology to maximize customer satisfaction

• Perform all other duties as assigned

Education and Qualification

• Pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Master's or PhD degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering or other STEM field of study required.

• Proficiency in the use of MS Excel and Word is required

• Chemical or mechanical lab experience is a plus

• Experience on data acquisition, processing, and automation is a plus

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Possess solid hands-on approach to problem-solving

• Demonstrated analytical abilities with strong attention to detail

• Excellent follow-through

• Must work effectively within the team to meet objectives under time constraints

• Must be driven and self-motivated