Mechanical Design Engineer

Join Nel and help advance one of the world’s most critical energy technologies.

At Nel, you’ll work at the forefront of hydrogen innovation - contributing to the design and development of electrochemical systems that power the green energy transition. In this role, you will apply your mechanical engineering expertise to complex component and system design, helping improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

You will work across engineering and manufacturing, combining analytical depth with hands-on problem solving. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact while working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Your Role

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be a key contributor to component and system design, with responsibility for analyzing mechanical stress and deformation, fluid flow, load distribution, tolerancing, and design for manufacturability.

You will prepare detailed documentation and participate in in-depth technical reviews to ensure robust and scalable design solutions.

What You Will Do

• Develop and design components and assemblies for electrochemical cell stacks to meet functional requirements while minimizing cost; order and inspect components for compliance with specifications

• Perform engineering calculations to support design concepts, including:

  • Stress analysis / FEA for mechanical robustness

  • CFD for fluid flow distribution

  • Tolerance modeling

• Use PTC Creo to create detailed drawings, assemblies, and bills of materials

• Assemble and test cell stacks and associated systems using equipment and hand tools

• Prepare test plans, technical reports, drawings, and assembly processes

• Conduct research and testing to extend electrochemical cell stack functionality, including:

  • Identifying cost reduction opportunities

  • Improving system reliability

  • Exploring new applications for existing technology

• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to:

  • Design for manufacturability and volume production

  • Develop inspection criteria

  • Evaluate component suppliers

• Support manufacturing in the disposition of non-conforming products and assist technical service teams with troubleshooting field returns

The above statements reflect the principal functions of the position and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a hands-on, analytical, and collaborative mechanical engineer who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment. You bring strong problem-solving capabilities, a high level of ownership, and the ability to translate complex engineering challenges into practical design solutions. You’re comfortable working across design, analysis, and manufacturing, and communicate effectively with both technical and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent

• 3-8 years of industry-related experience (e.g., fuel cells, fluidics, gas separation, flow batteries, piping systems, pressure vessels), or PhD in a related field

• 3+ years of experience designing and analyzing precision components for complex assemblies

• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment

• Experience with design of pressure containment devices or sealing systems

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including molding, machining, forming, and joining methods

• Experience supporting manufacturing operations

• Experience with supplier interaction and evaluation

• Working familiarity with safe work practices and hazard analysis

Preferred Skills

• Experience with 3D CAD (PTC Creo strongly preferred)

• Experience with FEA (PTC Simulate or ANSYS preferred) or CFD (ANSYS CFX)

• Experience with project planning

What we can offer

• An opportunity to work in a company in strong growth and a leading position in the market.

• A visible role with many exciting interfaces, internally and externally

• The opportunity to work in a global company that contributes to the green transition.

• A dynamic and highly professional working environment consisting of competent and committed colleagues.

Nel Hydrogen provides comprehe