# Tasks & work activities — alternative fuels engineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 17-2141.01 (Fuel Cell Engineers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Write technical reports or proposals related to engineering projects.
- **[Core]** Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, or talk with colleagues to stay abreast of new technology or competitive products.
- **[Core]** Validate design of fuel cells, fuel cell components, or fuel cell systems.
- **[Core]** Simulate or model fuel cell, motor, or other system information, using simulation software programs.
- **[Core]** Recommend or implement changes to fuel cell system designs.
- **[Core]** Provide technical consultation or direction related to the development or production of fuel cell systems.
- **[Core]** Plan or conduct experiments to validate new materials, optimize startup protocols, reduce conditioning time, or examine contaminant tolerance.
- **[Core]** Integrate electric drive subsystems with other vehicle systems to optimize performance or mitigate faults.
- **[Core]** Identify or define vehicle and system integration challenges for fuel cell vehicles.
- **[Core]** Fabricate prototypes of fuel cell components, assemblies, stacks, or systems.
- **[Core]** Develop fuel cell materials or fuel cell test equipment.
- **[Core]** Conduct post-service or failure analyses, using electromechanical diagnostic principles or procedures.
- **[Core]** Design or implement fuel cell testing or development programs.
- **[Core]** Characterize component or fuel cell performances by generating operating maps, defining operating conditions, identifying design refinements, or executing durability assessments.
- **[Core]** Calculate the efficiency or power output of a fuel cell system or process.
- **[Core]** Analyze fuel cell or related test data, using statistical software.
- **[Core]** Design fuel cell systems, subsystems, stacks, assemblies, or components, such as electric traction motors or power electronics.
- **[Core]** Prepare test stations, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems for use in specific tests of fuel cell components or systems.
- **[Core]** Plan or implement fuel cell cost reduction or product improvement projects in collaboration with other engineers, suppliers, support personnel, or customers.
- **[Core]** Coordinate fuel cell engineering or test schedules with departments outside engineering, such as manufacturing.
- **[Core]** Authorize release of fuel cell parts, components, or subsystems for production.
- **[Core]** Manage fuel cell battery hybrid system architecture, including sizing of components, such as fuel cells, energy storage units, or electric drives.
- **[Core]** Conduct fuel cell testing projects, using fuel cell test stations, analytical instruments, or electrochemical diagnostics, such as cyclic voltammetry or impedance spectroscopy.
- **[Core]** Define specifications for fuel cell materials.
- **[Core]** Evaluate the power output, system cost, or environmental impact of new hydrogen or non-hydrogen fuel cell system designs.
- **[Supplemental]** Develop or evaluate systems or methods of hydrogen storage for fuel cell applications.

## Detailed work activities

- Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
- Analyze green technology design requirements.
- Analyze test or validation data.
- Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
- Conduct validation tests of equipment or processes.
- Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
- Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
- Create models of engineering designs or methods.
- Create physical models or prototypes.
- Design alternative energy systems.
- Design energy-efficient vehicles or vehicle components.
- Design materials for industrial or commercial applications.
- Determine design criteria or specifications.
- Develop technical methods or processes.
- Devise research or testing protocols.
- Evaluate the characteristics of green technologies.
- Implement design or process improvements.
- Investigate the environmental impact of projects.
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
- Operate industrial equipment.
- Prepare detailed work plans.
- Prepare proposal documents.
- Prepare technical reports for internal use.
- Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
- Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
- Research energy production, use, or conservation.
- Test green technologies or processes.
- Update technical knowledge.