Chemical Engineer Spring 2026 Co-op

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.Co-ops in this role will be responsible for directly translating previous and ongoing R&D work into prototypes and production units, while measuring and tracking performance metrics, and solving key technical issues as they arise. You will interface with our customer and pilot partners to develop solutions and customize our technology to meet their technical requirements.Co-op Duration: 6 months, January - JuneResponsibilities and Duties:Design, build, and test reactor prototypes in support of reactor scale-up and pilot projectsDesign and build test platforms for rapidly iterating and validating subsystemsPerform data analysis on reactor test results to identify improved operating conditionsCreate process flow diagrams, models, and simulations of prototype and production unitsProduce and maintain P&ID and other documentationSpecify, downselect, and modify COTS components for integration into subsystemsParticipate in and lead design reviews of chemical process subsystemsOperate and maintain the separations and other subsystems of the pilot reactorDevelop safety systems and protocols for the prototype and production systemsDevelop and maintain SOP documentation for prototype and production systemsTranslate R&D work into prototype functional requirements and specificationsQualifications:Deeply motivated by the climate crisis and its downstream impactsPursuing education in chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, or related fieldsTrack record of strong academic and/or project-based performanceExceptional communication and documentation skillsExperience in one or multiple of the following:Chemical reactor design, assembly, and validationFamiliarity with process control systems, PID controllers, and PLC controllersChemical separation and purification processesSolid-liquid separation and filtrationSourcing and integrating pumps, valves, and other essential equipment for fluid control and transport within the process systemCreating process flow diagrams and chemical system simulations/modelsHydrogen handling and safety equipmentSensor integration and data acquisitionUsing AutoCAD to generate P&IDs and other system documentationResearch 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.Create a Job AlertInterested in building your career at Found Energy? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.Apply for this job*indicates a required fieldFirst Name *Last Name *Email *Phone *Resume/CV *Enter manuallyAccepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtfEnter manuallyAccepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtfEducationSchool * Select...Select...Please provide a brief summary of why you are interested at working for Found Energy: *Do you have any previous experience as an intern or in a Co-op program? * Select...If yes, what experience have you had? Please write N/A if you have not previously been an intern or participated in a Co-op program. *Are you available through the entire January to June Co-Op term? * Select... #J-18808-Ljbffr