alternative-fuels-engineer/references/tasks.md

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.