Project Manager, Hydrogen Systems; Pre-Construction & Permitting Focus

Staus: Exempt (salaried)
Department: Hydrogen

Position Summary

The Project Manager, Hydrogen Systems is responsible for facilitating Plug Power’s Gen Fuel offering to customers, with a specialized focus on Pre-Construction execution (3rd party engineering, permitting, and contractor bids). This role is a critical function for maintaining project schedules and revenue forecasts. Because permitting is the primary gateway to construction and revenue, this position requires a specialized resource rather than a generalist.

The successful candidate will ensure that complex submittal packages are flawless the first time to avoid costly AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) rejections or shelving.

This position works closely with internal Plug Power project teams, industrial gas companies, permitting agencies, contractors, suppliers, and end-customers to ensure a smooth transition during hydrogen fuel cell deployments. The ideal candidate must possess a strong background in construction project management, pre-construction workflows, and must be willing to travel up to 100% of the time to deployment locations.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Reduce the average duration of the pre-construction phase by optimizing engineering workflows and building predictive permitting playbooks.
• Achieve highly accurate forecasted construction start dates, allowing the broader organization to plan and project revenue with confidence.

• Manage all facets of the pre-construction phase, including driving 3rd-party engineering, securing contractor bids, and navigating the complex permitting lifecycle.
• Lead coordination, formal presentations, and proactive relationship-building with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (Towns, Counties, Fire Marshals, etc.) to successfully clear time-intensive regulatory gateways.
• Actively follow up in person with local authorities and agencies to prevent project stalls, resolve misunderstandings, and keep projects moving efficiently through the pipeline.
• Provide expertise to develop and manage detailed project schedules and budgetary parameters, actively resolving bottlenecks to deliver on end-customer expectations.
• Read and interpret Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), identify missing components, and collaborate with suppliers and contractors to deliver a finalized product.
• Coordinate and align the activities of all parties involved in deployments, including industrial gas companies, internal project teams, contractors, and local regulators.
• Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of Plug Power products and related hydrogen infrastructure system designs and functionality.
• Communicate regularly and transparently with internal project team members and end-customers to clarify project expectations, manage risks, and meet commitments.
• Represent Plug Power in a professional, highly diligent manner at all times and during all regulatory hearings and customer interactions.

Education and Experience

• BS degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, or other applicable field of study).
• A minimum of three (3) years of working experience in project-based engineering functions and construction project management, with a proven track record in pre-construction workflows and successfully securing complex building/environmental permits.
• PMP certification is highly preferred.
• Ability to travel frequently in the domestic U.S. to customer sites and jurisdictional offices; up to 100% of the time.
• Proven ability to interface with, present to, and influence AHJs (Fire Marshals, zoning boards, town councils) to secure approvals without project delays.
• Mechanical systems expertise and troubleshooting ability; ability to catch errors in engineering submittal packages before they are sent to regulators.
• Proven track record in project management; delivering quality results on time and on budget while compressing phase timelines.
• Experience in any of the following spheres is highly valued:
  • Hydrogen and/or fuel cells
  • Cryogenic Industry
  • High Pressure Systems (250 Bar and up)
  • Gas processing and/or dispensing equipment
  • Oil and Gas, CNG, LNG, etc.
  • Logistics/Material Handling
• Proficiency in computer and software systems applicable to the position, including but not limited to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.

• Dynamic interpersonal and presentation skills to effectively communicate with diverse audiences and regulatory stakeholders.
• Uncompromising dedication to quality
• Demonstrated analytical…