Senior Manager, Design Engineering

Senior Manager/Manager, Design Engineering

Status:
Exempt (Salaried)

Department:
Engineering Design

The Senior Manager/Manager, Design Engineering is responsible for leading and driving results for design engineering activities within Plug’s fuel cell product development organization. In this role, you will manage a multidisciplinary team of design engineers and designers, overseeing the creation of new fuel cell system designs and revision of existing designs across all Plug Power products. The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth in mechanical/electrical design, proven leadership in an engineering organization, and the ability to execute complex, cross‑functional projects in a fast‑paced hydrogen and fuel cell technology environment.

This position reports to the Director of Engineering and is an onsite position based at our Slingerlands, NY facility.

• Lead and manage design engineering projects from conception through completion, ensuring on‑time delivery and technical quality.
• Build, develop, and mentor a team of design engineers and designers; set clear expectations and foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture.
• Schedule, lead, and document design reviews (PDR, CDR) for new and existing product development programs.
• Provide technical guidance on CAD modeling, detailed drawings, Engineering Bill of Materials, GD&T, and engineering change processes; maintain expert‑level knowledge of Plug Power products and systems.
• Work closely with Systems Engineering and subsystem leads (Stack, BoP, Thermal, Controls, Power Electronics) and cross‑functional partners in Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Field Service to ensure designs meet all program requirements.
• Establish and manage product and technology roadmaps for the design engineering team.
• Identify and implement process improvements and engineering best practices to improve design efficiency, manufacturability, and product quality.
• Set clear expectations for safety compliance; verify precision and competence when implementing safety‑critical design procedures.
• Support product reliability programs and manage associated schedules and deliverables.
• Represent Plug Power professionally in all internal and external interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field required.
• 10+ years of engineering experience within a technology product or manufacturing environment; hydrogen, fuel cell, energy systems automotive or aerospace experience strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of people management or supervisory experience leading engineering teams for the Manager position and 7+ years for the Senior Manager position.
• Highly experienced with 3D CAD software; PTC Creo Parametric strongly preferred.
• Experience with a structured Engineering Change Process; PTC Windchill highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead design reviews and manage product development programs across the full V‑model lifecycle.
• Familiarity with FEA, CFD, and other analysis tools to validate design robustness.
• Knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and mechanical drawing practices.
• Experience with DFMEA development and execution and a structured problem‑solving process like 8D is preferred.
• Ability to manage budgets and understand fiscal responsibility within an engineering context.
• Excellent problem‑solving, decision‑making, and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communicator with the ability to convey technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations applicable to hydrogen and fuel cell systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).

$ - $

• Base salary is determined on a number of factors including but not limited to education, experience, skills, and geography. These factors are considered when making an offer of employment.
• The above pay range may not take into account local geographic pay variations. If there is an applicable geographic differential, a member of the HR team can discuss that with you.
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance eligibility starting from the first day of hire.
• 401(k) with 5% company match.
• Bonus eligibility.
• Paid time off including vacation, personal and sick time.
• Paid Holidays.
• Wellness Reimbursement Program.
• Potential to apply for Tuition Reimbursement.
• Fertility and Family Building Benefit.
• Employee Referral program.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Plug Power Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.