Circularity Fuels
Details
Position: Chemical Engineering Intern
(Chemical Reactor Development for Renewable Fuels)
Location: Redwood City, CA
Innovation Area: Materials and Chemicals; Energy, Food, and Water Nexus; Generation and Conversion
Position Type: TomKat Center-supported
Compensation: $8,500
Internship Term: 8 weeks
Circularity Fuels is developing a pathway to convert biogas-derived methane into low-carbon fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Our work spans lab experimentation, reactor development, and scale-up planning for commercial deployment.
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated intern to support hands-on laboratory experimentation and reactor development for renewable fuels. This role is laboratory-first and will involve building experimental rigor, running experiments safely, and turning data into actionable engineering insights.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform wet-lab experiments in support of laboratory-scale reactor development for renewable fuels.
- Assist with setup, operation, and troubleshooting of experimental reactor systems.
- Prepare, handle, and analyze samples using appropriate analytical techniques.
- Collect, document, and analyze experimental data in laboratory notebooks and digital systems.
- Support general laboratory operations, including equipment upkeep and safe chemical handling.
- Collaborate with scientists and engineers on experimental design, controls, and interpretation of results.
Required Expertise
- Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field (Stanford undergraduate preferred for TomKat).
- Prior laboratory experience, including lab-intensive coursework or research experience.
- Strong understanding of basic laboratory safety and good documentation practices.
- Ability to work independently on defined experimental plans, while communicating progress and issues clearly.
- Strong attention to detail and a bias toward careful, repeatable execution.
Preferred Skills and Majors
- Interest in reaction engineering, catalysis, separations, or process development.
- Familiarity with analytical tools such as chromatography or spectroscopy (helpful but not required).
- Experience working with pressurized systems or high-temperature experiments (helpful but not required).
Who Should Apply
This role is ideal for a student who enjoys experimental work, learns quickly by doing, and wants exposure to applied R&D in climate and energy. If you take pride in high-quality lab execution and want to connect experiments to real-world scale-up decisions, you will be a strong fit.
Learning Opportunities
- Hands-on experience with reactor experiments relevant to renewable fuels, including SAF.
- Training on analytical methods and data quality practices used in industrial R&D.
- Mentorship from experienced scientists and engineers in an applied, fast-moving environment.
Application Materials
- Resume
- Short note (2 to 4 paragraphs) describing your most relevant lab project and why you want this internship
- Unofficial transcript (optional)
TomKat Program Notes
This position will be filled through the TomKat Center Energy Internship Program. The TomKat Center pays the $8,500 stipend directly to the student. Circularity Fuels provides supervision, mentorship, and an on-site work environment.