Director Research Development Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

University of Delaware
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer whichencourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women,Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Noticeof Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

Job No: 502926
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark, DE
Categories: Engineering, Research & Laboratory, FullTime
Pay Grade: 32E

Context of Job: The University ofDelaware, in close collaboration with industry, academic, andnational laboratory partners including Chemours, Plug Power, WestVirginia University, and the National Laboratory of Rockies (NLR),has established the Center for Clean Hydrogen (CCH). The Center’smission is to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economythrough advanced research and development in green hydrogenproduction, fuel cells, and carbon capture technologies. CCHoperates state-of-the-art research facilities and large-scale testinfrastructure to support both fundamental research andindustry-facing development.

The Center is seeking a highly motivated and versatile Engineer tosupport cutting-edge hydrogen technology programs in a fast-paced,adaptive research environment. The Engineer will play a criticalrole in the design, setup, commissioning, and operation of hydrogenresearch infrastructure at CCH. This is a hands-on positionrequiring strong technical breadth, rapid learning ability, and thecapacity to manage multiple projects independently with minimalsupervision. The successful candidate will work closely withfaculty, research staff, students, and external partners to deliverhigh-impact research outcomes on aggressive timelines.

Major Responsibilities:

• Support the setup, commissioning, and operation of large-scaleelectrolyzer test stands, including a 150 kW PEM electrolyzer teststand and a 300 kW AEM electrolyzer test stand.
• Support the design, assembly, and operation of segmentedelectrolyzer cells and stacks with integrated inlinediagnostics.
• Establish and operate advanced analytical and diagnosticequipment in support of inline degradation and performance analysisof electrolyzer, including ICP-MS, XRF, Ion Chromatography (IC),SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and FTIR.
• Operate and support research activities using spark-ablationbased nanoparticle deposition equipment (VS Particle P1nanoprinter).
• Design and build new laboratory-scale electrolyzer andelectrochemical test stands.
• Contribute to system troubleshooting, performance optimization,and operational efficiency improvements.
• Assist with procurement, installation, and commissioning of newlaboratory equipment.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards, withparticular emphasis on hydrogen safety practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, MechanicalEngineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely relateddiscipline and six years of relevant industrial experience.
• Experience with hydrogen-related research or industrialsystems; experience with industrial-scale fuel cell or electrolyzerplants is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of electrolyzer systems, including cellarchitecture, materials, stack design, and balance-of-plant (BoP)components such as pumps, heat exchangers, valves, andsensors.
• Solid skills in 3D CAD modeling for electrolyzer cell and stackdesign, with basic understanding of CNC machining and componentfabrication. Hands-on machine shop experience is a plus.
• Working knowledge of electrical engineering and controlsystems, including the ability to read and create basic electricaldiagrams.
• Mechatronics engineering background and experience on PLC-basedcontrol systems are highly desirable.
• Experience operating or working with analytical andcharacterization equipment commonly used in electrochemical andmaterials research.
• Good coding skills, with proficiency in Python for dataanalysis and visualization; demonstrated ability to utilize AIcoding tools effectively.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety practices,particularly those related to hydrogen systems.
• Experience with hydrogen-related codes, standards, andcertification processes (e.g., UL, NFPA) is a plus.
• Rapid learner with a genuine interest in acquiring newtechnical skills preferred.
• Highly self-motivated self-starter capable of workingindependently with minimal direct supervision preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliverresults on short timelines preferred.
• Strong focus on operational efficiency, reliability, andcontinuous improvement preferred.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills in a dynamic,collaborative environment preferred.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any personon the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identityor expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, maritalstatus, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any othercharacteristic protected by applicable law in its employment,educational programs and activities, admissions policies, andscholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of theEducational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Actof 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VIIof the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes andUniversity policies. The University of Delaware also prohibitsunlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexualviolence.

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