Tim Toepfer Email & Phone Number

Niskayuna, Ny

Microsystems engineer in the electronics group

Support the research of semiconductor devices and system level applications by performing assemby, testing and analysis as part of the Microelectronics and Microfluidics laboratory.

Investigated performance of electron beam lithography systems for customers and factory production. Supervised the testing of high voltage (100KV) power supplies to ensure the required reliability and performance were met. Design and supervise engineering solutions in Vistec’s manufacturing engineering and product quality group.

Senior Electrical Engineer, GenCore Engineering (2002 - 2007)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------• Designed the safety subsystem for the GenCore UPS hydrogen fuel cell backup power product. Defined component requirements to meet functional performance and product certification standards. • Managed the development of combustible gas sensors with key suppliers. Designed safety system changes into current and future fuel cell products. Developed test methods and benchmarks for gas sensor technologies. • Significant accomplishments include the qualification of a new combustible gas sensor technology to the UL2075 standard and the development of test and analysis methods for gas sensor reliability measurement. These accomplishments give Plug Power a competitive advantage in field reliability and certification compliance.Systems Engineer, Research & Systems Architecture (1999 - 2002)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------• Developed sensor technologies and sensing methods used for the humidification of PEM fuel cells and for the control of the tail gas oxidizer (afterburner) subsystem. • Designed humidity sensors and humidity measurement test stations for evaluation under tightly controlled conditions. Collaborated with key suppliers to deliver sensor technologies.• Designed the instrumentation subsystems of automotive fuel cell prototypes for commercial and government customers. This role included design, systems integration and field engineering experience.• Significant accomplishments include the development of a quantitative means to test the effects of humidity over-saturation on sensors and leading a team which integrated a strategic partner's fuel cell technology into prototype fuel cell systems.

• Managed several embedded instrumentation and control system design projects deliverable to the U.S. Navy. • Functioned as lead engineer for graphics display products coordinating hardware and software development through concept, qualification and production. • Specified design requirements, evaluated designs including software and hardware architectures, ensured that technical requirements were met. • Accomplishments include delivery of new technology graphics subsystem prototypes for fleet retrofit evaluation and the software programming of a fleet support diagnostic tool for instrument troubleshooting. Received the General Manager’s Award for Design and Technology.

• Provided technical support for VLSI processing equipment in a cleanroom environment to support educational and research activities. Installed and maintained semiconductor processing equipment.• Conducted semiconductor processing related to device fabrication. Accomplishments include refurbishing/repair of equipment donated from chip manufacturers allowing significant cost savings in lieu of new purchase.

• Conducted electrical and data analysis of semiconductor circuits at various steps in the VLSI build process. • Performed physical and electrical analysis of semiconductor samples to identify process issues. Analysis included semiconductor sample preparation, electron microscope imaging and micro-probing of test structures to characterize semiconductor performance. • Accomplishments include performing testing and physical analysis to help isolate key manufacturing problems during a transistor process qualification supporting product launch.

Bsee, Electrical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Center for Integrated Electronics - VLSI Cleanroom/Lab staff member from 1990 to 1992, Memeber Eta Kappa Nu.

Aas, Math Science (Pre-Engineering)

Aas, Electrical Engineering Technology