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Fuel Cell Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Bloom Energy

Account Executive

Ohio, IL · On-site

$134K - $193K/yr

With more than 30,000 fuel cell modules deployed worldwide, we are the trusted partner for Fortune ... Manage internal resources for sales engineering, application engineering, and structured finance to ...

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Fuel Cell Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$93.7K

$114.3K

How much do fuel cell engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for fuel cell engineer in Illinois is $93,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the job duties of a fuel cell engineer?

A fuel cell engineer's job duties and responsibilities revolve around the design of fuel cell components or systems for a variety of applications. Fuel cell engineers design and develop fuel cell components for mechanical and electromechanical modules. In this job, you work from start to finish on these systems, from fabrication to the test and debug stage, to assembly and manipulation of the system. This creates high-quality designs that allow fuel cells or a generator to work more efficiently and with different fuel sources. A fuel cell engineer may work with a technician or act as his or her own throughout the process of building, manipulating, and rebuilding the fuel cell.

What is the difference between Fuel Cell Engineer vs Battery Engineer?

AspectFuel Cell EngineerBattery Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; certifications in fuel cell technologyBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Chemical, or Materials Engineering; certifications in battery technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, renewable energy projectsElectronics labs, automotive, consumer electronics manufacturing
Industry UsageRenewable energy, transportation, aerospaceConsumer electronics, electric vehicles, energy storage

Fuel Cell Engineers and Battery Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments focused on energy storage and conversion. However, Fuel Cell Engineers specialize in developing hydrogen-based fuel cells for clean energy, while Battery Engineers focus on designing and improving battery technologies for portable and vehicle applications. Both roles are vital in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

What is a fuel cell engineer?

Fuel Cell Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test fuel cell systems, which generate electricity through electrochemical reactions, often using hydrogen as a fuel source. They work on improving the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and durability of fuel cells for various applications, such as vehicles, stationary power generation, and portable electronics. Their work often involves research, prototyping, and collaborating with other engineers to integrate fuel cells into products. Fuel Cell Engineers play a crucial role in advancing clean energy technologies and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fuel cell engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fuel Cell Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical engineering, electrochemistry, and materials science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as COMSOL or ANSYS), fuel cell testing systems, and industry standards is highly valued, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) can be advantageous. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for driving innovation and ensuring reliable system performance. These skills and qualifications enable engineers to develop efficient, safe, and commercially viable fuel cell technologies in a competitive, evolving energy sector.

What are the main challenges fuel cell engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing energy systems?

Fuel Cell Engineers often encounter challenges related to compatibility and scalability when integrating new fuel cell technologies into established energy infrastructures. These challenges include ensuring that new systems can efficiently interface with current electrical grids, meeting safety and regulatory standards, and optimizing performance without causing disruptions. Additionally, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as electrical engineers, project managers, and regulatory specialists—is critical to navigate these complexities and ensure successful implementation.
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The most popular types of Fuel Cell Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

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For Fuel Cell Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fuel Cell Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

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Fuel Cell Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fuel Cell Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,672 per year, or $45 per hour.

Senior Electrical Systems Engineer - Propulsion & Energy Systems

Komatsu

Peoria, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Komatsu rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Senior Electrical Systems Engineer - Propulsion & Energy Systems
Posting Start Date: 5/20/26
Job Location (Short): Peoria, Illinois, USA, 61639
Requisition ID: 35934
Onsite or Remote: Onsite Position
Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!
Job Overview
The Senior Engineer - Systems Engineer (Electrical) - Propulsion & Energy Systems (Mining Truck Power Systems) serves as the senior technical authority for the architecture, design, and integration of electric propulsion and energy systems for large mining haul trucks. This role provides system-level leadership across the full product lifecycle-translating next-generation propulsion and energy technologies into production-ready solutions through disciplined requirements, architecture definition, validated modules, and clean program handoffs.
The role operates at the intersection of deep hands-on technical expertise and cross-functional system leadership, ensuring power systems meet performance, safety, cost, manufacturability, serviceability, and sustainability objectives in demanding mining environments.
Key Job Responsibilities
System & Technical Leadership
  • Own the end-to-end system architecture for mining truck propulsion and energy systems, including battery system architecture, electric drive systems, power electronics, HV/LV electrical design, thermal management, and energy storage interfaces.
  • Define and maintain system architectures, performance targets, requirements, and integration strategies across vehicle platforms, charger interfaces, and supporting infrastructure.
  • Lead system-level design reviews, technical trade studies, and validation strategies from concept through production and field operation.

Propulsion & Energy Systems Development
  • Develop and integrate key propulsion and energy building blocks, including: Battery system architecture and BMS (including PCB-level considerations where applicable)
  • High-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems and isolation coordination
  • Integration with vehicle and charger systems
  • Functional safety (FS) concepts and validation of achieved FS levels
  • System simulations and performance modeling
  • Ensure designs comply with applicable standards, regulations, and functional safety requirements for off-highway mining equipment.

Program & Platform Leadership
  • Provide technical leadership across multiple development programs, including prototype and production vehicles.
  • Partner with program management, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to balance safety, performance, cost, schedule, and CO₂e impacts.
  • Enable clean handoffs to downstream teams through clear requirements, validated architectures, and documented assumptions.

Manufacturing, Field & Customer Support
  • Support factory testing, site commissioning, and resolution of production and field issues for large mining haul trucks.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, service, suppliers, and customers to ensure systems are robust, manufacturable, serviceable, and reliable in harsh mining environments.

Technology Strategy & Continuous Improvement
  • Evaluate emerging propulsion and energy technologies (battery-electric, hybrid, fuel cell, advanced power electronics) and assess applicability to mining platforms.
  • Contribute to technical standards, best practices, and long-term propulsion and energy system roadmaps.
  • Drive continuous improvement in system performance, reliability, and development efficiency.

Technical Mentorship & Engineering Rigor
  • Mentor and guide engineers across propulsion, energy systems, electric drives, and system integration disciplines.
  • Lead technical reviews and reinforce strong engineering rigor, documentation discipline, and system thinking across teams.

Qualifications/Requirements
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • Extensive experience with electric propulsion, power systems, or energy systems for mining or heavy off-highway equipment.
  • Demonstrated system-level ownership across design, validation, commissioning, and field support.
  • Strong technical judgment with the ability to make complex, system-level trade-off decisions.
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to lead through influence across functions.
  • Experience with CAN (J1939, 2.0, FD), MQTT, and isoSPI communication protocols
  • Experience with 3D CAD tools such as Creo 8 or higher

Preferred
  • Experience with battery-electric, hybrid, or fuel cell vehicle systems.
  • Background in large mining haul trucks or heavy mobile equipment.
  • Expertise in power electronics, thermal management, control systems, and functional safety.
  • Experience with DC Arc Flash system simulations above 1000VDC
  • Experience supporting field commissioning and customer operations.
  • Advanced degree or patents related to propulsion, energy systems, or vehicle technology.
  • Experience with embedded C or C++ (open to a skills assessment) for troubleshooting and minor SW updates

Additional Information
Why This Role
  • Work on some of the largest and most complex mobile machines in the world.
  • Shape next-generation propulsion, energy, and decarbonization solutions for surface mining.
  • Operate at a Senior Engineer level with meaningful system ownership and technical authority.
  • Collaborate with experienced, multi-disciplinary engineering teams to deliver technology from concept to production.

Hiring Range
At Komatsu, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays $110,000 - $135,000. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including experience and location.
Company Benefits
Komatsu provides an extensive and robust employee benefits package that is designed to enhance the well-being of our employees and family members. We embrace a positive and empowering employee experience with a culture that prides itself on a diverse and inclusive environment.
  • Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs, etc.
  • 401k and/or employee savings programs
  • Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
  • Employee and family assistance programs
  • Disability benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Employee learning and development programs

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
At Komatsu, we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences and contributions. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. Connected by our core values of ambition, perseverance, collaboration and authenticity, we are committed to continually advancing in our support of diversity and inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.
Company Information
Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu employs more than 64,000 people worldwide, operating in more than 140 countries. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Since the company's founding in 1921, Komatsu has been committed to supporting individuals and communities through job training, skills development and giving back. As a Komatsu employee, you will be encouraged to grow alongside our global company, contributing to a more sustainable future for all. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, join Komatsu to be a part of something big and help advance modern society. Learn more at www.komatsu.com.
EEO Statement
Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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