At Scribner, innovation starts with the people behind the instruments. Our team is made up of scientists and engineers who share a passion for empowering electrochemical research and for supporting the researchers who make breakthroughs possible. In this series, Inside Scribner, we’re excited to introduce the people you’ll work with when you partner with Scribner.
Say hello to Dr. Amin Baghalian, a mechanical engineer and systems leader whose work bridges advanced diagnostics research with the practical demands of electrochemical innovation. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and a background in structural health monitoring and complex system design, Amin has built a career focused on turning rigorous engineering into reliable, real-world tools. Today, as Director of Engineering Scribner, he leads the development of fuel cell and electrolysis test systems and stacks, driving new product development and strengthening existing platforms for the global research community. His approach reflects the precision, stability, and forward-thinking design that underpin meaningful progress in electrochemistry.
Can you walk us through your journey — what motivated you to pursue a PhD in mechanical engineering, and how did that lead you into product development and project management at Scribner?
Amin: Preparing myself to solve complex industrial problems through a systematic and scientific approach was the primary motivation for pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering. Prior to joining Scribner, I spent several years developing fuel cell and electrolysis systems and test stations within R&D of the oil and gas sector, where I increasingly took responsibility for translating technical requirements into robust, deliverable products. I greatly enjoyed the multidisciplinary nature of this work and its alignment with my passion for accelerating clean energy research. This combination of experience and interest led me to Scribner, where I contribute to the development of high-quality products that address the needs of researchers worldwide.
What is one of the most challenging technical problems you’ve encountered in developing Scribner’s products, and how did your team work through it?
Amin: Scribner offers a broad range of products for battery, fuel cell, and electrolyzer testing applications. These products are used to evaluate the performance and efficiency of materials and processes across a wide range of operating conditions. Improvements made to optimize equipment for one set of conditions can sometimes lead to unintended or undesirable outcomes in others. At Scribner, we address this challenge by closely understanding the unique needs of researchers and developing modular systems that can be configured to meet specific research requirements while maintaining standard lead times.
What do you find most exciting about the future of electrochemistry in supporting energy demand, and how do you see Scribner contributing to that future?
Amin: Global energy demand has continued to grow, and renewable energy is one of the most sustainable solutions to meet this demand. Its success, however, depends heavily on the availability of efficient and affordable energy storage systems capable of capturing energy from sources such as wind, solar, and hydro and delivering it when needed. Enabling researchers in areas such as fuel cells, electrolysis, and batteries to develop and advance systems that can efficiently store and dispatch renewable energy is what excites me most and is the core contribution of our team at Scribner.
As someone who leads full-cycle product development, how do you foster innovation while ensuring reliability and user needs are met?
Amin: I foster innovation by creating space for early experimentation and cross-functional collaboration while maintaining clear technical and reliability guardrails. We apply best practices in agile project management and leverage the expertise of our scientists and engineers to iterate quickly based on user feedback. At the same time, all systems undergo rigorous validation and testing to ensure reliability, safety, and consistent performance before release.
Outside of work, what hobbies or interests help you recharge — or maybe even influence how you think about engineering?
Amin: Outside of work, I enjoy staying open to new experiences, particularly traveling to new places and learning about different cultures and cuisines. I also enjoy listening to psychology- and education-focused podcasts that explore how people think and learn. These interests influence how I approach teamwork, communication, and the building of collaborative and diverse teams in engineering projects.
