Senior Fuel Cell Systems Engineer
About the job
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline is required.
- Strong knowledge of hydrogen distribution systems, including pressure regulation, flow control, recirculation, purge, venting, and safety functions is required.
- Experience with hydrogen recirculation technologies such as venturi ejectors, blowers, and associated control strategies is required.
- Proven experience in gas system sizing, modelling, analysis, validation, and performance optimisation using engineering tools is required.
- Familiarity with systems engineering principles, including requirements management, verification and validation, safety assessments, and supplier and cross-functional stakeholder management is required.
- Lead the end-to-end design, development, integration, verification, and optimisation of the hydrogen distribution subsystem within the fuel cell powertrain.
- Define hydrogen flow architectures and operating strategies for start-up, shutdown, purge, fault response, maintenance, and emergency scenarios.
- Ensure integration of the hydrogen subsystem with storage, fuel cell, thermal management, electrical, controls, and safety systems.
- Specify, select, qualify, and integrate hydrogen system components, supporting system sizing, modelling, performance analysis, and validation activities.
- Manage suppliers and support testing, safety assessments, troubleshooting, and continuous design improvement to ensure programme compliance and performance.
- Experience using Polarion, MATLAB, Simulink, Simscape, and LabVIEW.
- Knowledge of nitrogen testing and ARP4754B requirements processes, including requirements capture, validation, decomposition, and traceability.
About the company
ZeroAvia develops hydrogen-electric propulsion for aircraft and focuses on retrofitting existing planes with a hydrogen-electric engine to cut emissions and operating costs. The engines run on green hydrogen produced via electrolysis and offer higher specific energy and lower maintenance costs than traditional jet engines, making them suitable for commercial aviation. The company targets retrofits that can cover most common flight missions—up to 300 nautical miles for small, 19-seat aircraft and up to 1000 nautical miles for larger 50-90 seat planes—thereby addressing 95%+ of today’s missions. This approach differentiates ZeroAvia from competitors by offering a retrofit path rather than building new aircraft from scratch, leveraging greener fuel and a cost-effective operating model, and aligning with global regulatory pushes toward net-zero emissions. The overarching goal is to make aviation substantially cleaner and steer the industry toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$394M
Headquarters
Everett, Washington
Founded
2017
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- On August 4, 2026, ZeroAvia won HyPRIME funding with Birmingham and Bristol airports.
- FAA special conditions published April 2, 2026, clarify certification for ZeroAvia's 600kW engine.
- Christine Ourmières-Widener became CEO in May 2026, bringing airline and turnaround experience.
What critics are saying
- ZeroAvia cut roughly half its workforce in early 2026 after failed December 2025 fundraising.
- Certification slipped to 2027 for ZA600, pushing full powertrain commercialization beyond 2028.
- If 2027 funding fails, ZeroAvia collapses before orders, infrastructure, or certification scale.
What makes ZeroAvia unique
- ZeroAvia owns UK CAA design organization approval for hydrogen-electric propulsion, a rare certification asset.
- Its HyPRIME project links aircraft, airport refueling, and ground power into one ecosystem.
- Safran's July 2026 partnership strengthens high-temperature fuel-cell engineering for heavier aircraft.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Mental Health Support
Stock Options
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Relocation Assistance
Performance Bonus
Wellness Program
Disability Insurance
Legal Services
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
-3%1 year growth
1%2 year growth
4%Xcert AI, a Geneva-based startup, has launched Xcert 1.2, a platform that helps aerospace teams prepare for certification. The release builds on its EASA AI Olympics win and its work with ZeroAvia and other customers. The update extends the tool from requirements into verification and quality workflows. Teams can generate test specifications traced to requirements, find coverage gaps, and export controlled deliverables for review. ZeroAvia uses Xcert AI to review documents for its ZA200 during development. Managing director Gabriele Teofili said it surfaced points that manual editing had missed. Customers keep control of their data and can choose secured cloud or on-premises deployment. Qualified engineers remain accountable for every decision.
ZeroAvia appoints Christine Ourmières-Widener as Chief Executive Officer. * ZeroAvia has appointed Christine Ourmières-Widener as Chief Executive Officer as it advances the certification and commercialisation of its hydrogen-electric propulsion technologies. * The former TAP Air Portugal, Flybe and CityJet CEO will also continue as Chair of the Board. * She will lead ZeroAvia's next phase of growth across civil and defence aerospace markets. ZeroAvia, Inc. announced the appointment of Christine Ourmières-Widener as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. She will lead ZeroAvia as the company advances toward certification, commercialisation and market adoption of its hydrogen-electric propulsion technologies, and continues as Chair of the Board. Ourmières-Widener has served as Executive Chair of the Board since November 2025, having previously served as a Board Director since February 2021. With more than three decades of aviation leadership experience, Ourmières-Widener combines deep technical expertise with a proven track record of airline transformation and operational excellence. She previously served as Chief Executive Officer of TAP Air Portugal, Flybe and CityJet, held multiple senior leadership positions within the Air France-KLM Group, and served on the IATA Board of Governors. A trained aeronautical engineer, Ourmières-Widener began her career at Air France working on the Concorde before moving into senior commercial and executive leadership roles across the aviation sector. She is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, reflecting her contribution to both engineering and aviation leadership. Geoff Eisenberg, Board Director and Investor - Ecosystem Integrity Fund said: "The Board concluded that Christine has the experience, leadership and industry perspective to lead ZeroAvia through its next phase. Since assuming operational leadership of the business, she has strengthened the company's strategic focus and secured key partnerships, while bringing valuable insight from a distinguished career leading airlines." Christine Ourmières-Widener, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of ZeroAvia, said: "I am honoured to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of ZeroAvia at such an important moment for the company and the aviation industry. I understand the priorities of its customers and see huge potential for the business to unlock value across civil and defence aerospace markets. I look forward to leading ZeroAvia through its next phase as Air Cargo Inc. commercialise its products and continue to push the boundaries of the technology." ZeroAvia remains focused on accelerating the development and certification of its hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for aviation. Christine Ourmières-Widener, Executive Chair of ZeroAvia, said: "Hydrogen-electric propulsion has the potential to transform aerospace and defense applications, and collaboration is essential to accelerating that transition. By working hand-in-hand with Safran, we are helping to advance technologies that are critical to building a better, cleaner future for flight." Anastasiya Simsek is an award-winning journalist with a background in air cargo, news, medicine, and lifestyle reporting. For exclusive insights or to share your news, contact Anastasiya at [email protected]. LATAM Cargo becomes the first airline in the Americas to integrate IATA's DG AutoCheck. MAG reinforces operational strength with global certifications and record performance metrics.
The largest battery-electric plane ever made has flown for the first time. Heart Aerospace's X1 demonstrator flew for 27 minutes on $5 of electricity Heart Aerospace has announced the successful first flight of its prototype all-electric aircraft, the X1 demonstrator. X1 took off from Plattsburgh International Airport in Upstate New York and flew for 27 minutes, reaching an altitude of 1,100 feet, running entirely on its batteries. Heart added the flight, including takeoff and landing, consumed less than $5 worth of electricity, a useful selling point given the price of fuel. It has already earned praise from executives at United Airlines and Air Canada, who are interested in adding electric planes to its fleets. If Heart is successful, the X1 will be followed by the ES-30, a fixed-wing 30-seat hybrid model designed to service regional airports. The company's hope is that its planes can offer a far cheaper service for hopper flights currently operated by turboprop planes like the Embraer ERJ. It is aiming for an all-electric range of 125 miles, with that figure climbing to 500 miles with the hybrid engine. Heart's broader pitch is that it won't just be in the cheaper cost of electricity versus jet fuel that will make its plane affordable. Naturally, the cheaper maintenance and operation cost of electric motors, their better reliability will add to the balance sheet. Of more concern, perhaps, is Heart's belief that the ES-30, while operated by a single pilot initially, will enable autonomous service in the future. Right now, the company is aiming for the ES-30 to enter service by 2031, a date Engadget, Inc.'ll only say is "ambitious" by most plane development standards. The next decade does appear to be one in which a number of aviation startups are looking to offer their vision for the future of flight. Heart will be jostling for space alongside Boom Supersonic, Harbour Air, ZeroAvia, and Rolls-Royce. But, as Engadget, Inc. opined back in 2021, the future of electric flight is entirely dependent on batteries getting a lot denser and lighter compared to their current-day equivalents.
ZeroAvia launches groundbreaking hydrogen airport infrastructure for a sustainable aviation future. Key points. * ZeroAvia is spearheading a UK government-funded project to enhance hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. * The HyPRIME initiative aims to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen in aviation. * This project aligns with global goals to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector. * The initiative seeks to showcase hydrogen's potential as a sustainable energy source for airports. ZeroAvia, a pioneer in hydrogen-powered aviation, is set to lead an innovative project under the UK government's HyPRIME initiative, aimed at developing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for airports. This initiative reflects a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable aviation solutions, particularly as the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize and reduce its carbon footprint. The HyPRIME project is designed to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of hydrogen as a viable energy source for aircraft refueling, potentially transforming how airports operate and manage sustainable energy resources. The project's objectives include not only the establishment of hydrogen refueling stations at airports but also the integration of these facilities into the existing aviation infrastructure. It aims to validate the technical capabilities and economic feasibility of hydrogen systems, positioning them as a key component in the ongoing efforts to achieve net-zero emissions in aviation. With governments and organizations worldwide committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ZeroAvia's work under the HyPRIME project reflects a growing recognition of hydrogen's role in sustainable transport solutions. Through this project, ZeroAvia seeks to address the challenges associated with hydrogen storage, distribution, and refueling, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the increasing adoption of hydrogen-powered aircraft. The initiative is expected to attract interest from various stakeholders, including airport authorities, airlines, and energy providers, all of whom have a vested interest in promoting environmentally friendly aviation practices. In summary, the HyPRIME project represents a crucial step towards the integration of hydrogen into the aviation sector, showcasing the potential for airports to become hubs of renewable energy and sustainable practices. By demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure in aviation, ZeroAvia and its partners aim to position the UK as a leader in sustainable aviation technology, paving the way for a greener future in air travel. August 6, 2026 at 10:10 PM United Kingdom
ZeroAvia pioneers innovative hydrogen infrastructure for future aviation. Key points. * ZeroAvia is leading the HyPRIME project focusing on hydrogen infrastructure. * The project aims to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen in commercial aviation. * HyPRIME will enhance collaboration across the aviation industry for sustainable solutions. * This initiative represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in air travel. Hydrogen is increasingly being recognized as a transformative energy source for various industries, including aviation. In a significant move towards a more sustainable aviation sector, ZeroAvia, a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, is spearheading the HyPRIME project. This innovative initiative is designed to establish a robust hydrogen infrastructure that can effectively support the future of commercial aviation. The HyPRIME project represents a collaborative effort aimed at demonstrating the practical application of hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative for aircraft, ultimately contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in air travel. As global concerns about climate change intensify, the aviation industry is under pressure to find viable solutions that can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional aviation fuels contribute substantially to the carbon footprint of air travel; hence, the transition to hydrogen fuel is seen as a critical step towards achieving sustainability goals. The HyPRIME project aims to create a conducive environment for the adoption of hydrogen technology by integrating necessary infrastructure at airports, which is a vital step in making hydrogen-powered flights a reality. Through HyPRIME, ZeroAvia is not only working on developing the technology for hydrogen fuel cells but is also engaging with various stakeholders across the aviation industry. This inclusive approach is geared towards fostering collaboration and innovation, ensuring that all necessary elements - such as production, storage, and distribution of hydrogen - are in place. By aligning with industry partners, ZeroAvia is paving the way for a holistic hydrogen economy that can support the needs of commercial operators while addressing environmental concerns. The HyPRIME initiative is expected to demonstrate the functionality and benefits of hydrogen infrastructure, showcasing its potential to revolutionize how aircraft are powered in the future. It signifies a proactive step towards reducing the aviation industry's dependency on fossil fuels and highlights the growing trend towards sustainable aviation practices. Participants in the project believe that successful implementation of hydrogen infrastructure will not only lead to cleaner skies but will also enhance the global aviation industry's resilience to the pressing challenges of climate change. In summary, the HyPRIME project represents a promising leap forward towards sustainable aviation, driven by innovation and collaboration in the hydrogen sector. August 5, 2026 at 12:50 PM