Mechanical Engineer Co-op
Company Overview:
Found Energy is building clean energy delivery platforms capable of replacing fossil fuels for heavy industries ranging from aluminum production (4% of global CO2 emissions) to fertilizer production (2% of global CO2 emissions) to maritime shipping (3% of global CO2 emissions). Building off technology developed at MIT that enables metallic aluminum to split water, our energy delivery systems safely generate hydrogen and industrial heat on-site at >5x the volumetric energy density of liquid hydrogen and >3x that of methanol and ammonia. By integrating storage, transport, and generation into a single package, our technology solves some of the biggest pain points in renewable energy transportation and storage.
At Found Energy, we believe in securing a livable and equitable future for our planet, and we are looking for partners who are motivated by this goal to join us. For more information, visit https://found.energy.
Job Overview:
Found Energy has demonstrated its core hydrogen generation technologies at the kW-scale, including a system capable of powering a full-sized electric vehicle. We are now working to scale up the reactor system for both our minimum viable product (MVP) and commercial pilot demonstrations. The completion of the MVP and commercial pilots requires designing and testing numerous sub-processes and sub-systems at the targeted industrial scale, as well as at various intermediate scales along the way.
R&D interns/co-ops will work with Found Energy engineers to help design, fabricate, and test the various subcomponents of our MVP, as well as supporting their integration and system-level validation. Beyond developing the MVP, R&D interns/co-ops will also engage in technology development in line with the company’s strategic technical roadmap.
Co-op Duration: 6-12 months
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Design, build, and test subsystems utilizing CAD,machine shop and lab
- Ensure the seamless integration of individual subsystems in the MVP and prototypes
- Interface with external part fabrication when needed (e.g. part drawings, tolerances, etc.)
- Develop and enhance in-house machining capabilities
- Specify, downselect, and modify COTS components
- Create listed BOM for mechanical as well as electrical systems
- Create process flow diagrams, models, and simulations of the prototype and production systems
- Validation of subsystems through CFD, thermal, and structural simulations
- Participate in and lead design reviews of mechanical subsystems
- Develop safety systems and protocols for the prototype and production systems
- Design and build fixtures to support testing of prototypes and R&D lab experiments
- Translate R&D work into production functional requirements and specifications
- Participate in building and growing company culture and values
Preferred Qualifications:
- Deeply motivated by the climate crisis and its downstream impacts
- Exceptional communication and documentation skills
- Experience in one or multiple of the following:
- Mechanical design and fabrication (machining, sheet metal, welding etc.)
- Tolerance stacking of large assemblies and sub assemblies
- One or more CAD software packages (Solidworks, Autodesk, etc.)
- CFD, thermal, and structural simulation
- Electrical systems design (sensors, microcontrollers, relays, etc.)
- Fluid and/or gas handling systems, including safety and compliance
- Fuel cells and battery systems
- Familiarity with one or more software languages (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
- Thermodynamics theory and modeling software (e.g. EES, REFPROP)
Research suggests that qualified people from historically marginalized groups may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who might not meet the exact requirements, but who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Found Energy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.