Chemical Engineering Intern (Summer 2025)

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream

We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.

At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn’t restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.

We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.

About The Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Chemical Engineering Intern specializing in catalysts to join our team. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of chemical engineering, specifically focusing on catalyst development and optimization. The ideal candidate will work closely with our experienced engineers and scientists to support ongoing projects and contribute to innovative solutions.

Summer internships are typically 10-12 weeks starting in late May/early June and work an average of 40 hours a week. Depending on satisfactory completion of certain criteria during your internship, you may be considered for a full-time position upon graduation.

As a Technical Intern, you'll ask questions, get involved, bring your ideas, be part of an actual project team, attend planning meetings, complete assignments as tasked by your team, absorb and learn from your team and apply that learning to projects assigned. You'll have the opportunity to learn fundamental business processes and procedures, build your technical foundation through practice and mentorship, and participate in an in-depth program built by our University Recruiting team, that includes cross-functional workshops and meeting with leadership to gain understanding of the business and Sierra Space culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design, synthesis, and characterization of catalysts for various chemical processes.
• Conduct experiments and analyze data to evaluate catalyst performance.
• Collaborate with team members to develop and optimize catalyst formulations.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate findings and progress.
• Support the maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to problem-solving discussions.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and laboratory best practices.
• Utilize computational tools and software to analyze experimental data, model reaction mechanisms, and predict the performance of catalytic systems.
• Maintain thorough documentation of experimental procedures, results, and findings, and contribute to technical reports and presentations for team reviews and project updates.
  
  
  

About You 

 

Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey.  

 

We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university
• Must have at least one academic term remaining after the completion of the internship
• Students must be a Sophomore, Junior or Senior undergraduate student or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. Program
• Strong skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment
• Strong organization skills and work ethic; detail oriented
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering or related field
• Previous experience or coursework related to catalyst development and characterization
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques and equipment used in catalyst research
• Knowledge of catalysis principles, reaction kinetics, and material science
• Experience with Laboratory techniques relevant to catalyst development and testing (Chemisorption, BET, XRD, FTIR, TGA, and electron microscopy)
  
  
  

Engineering Intern Sophomore: $28.00/hour

Engineering Intern Junior/Senior: $30.00/hour

Engineering Intern BA/MS Dual Program or 5 yr BA/MS Program: $31.00

Engineering Intern Master's: $35.00/hour

Engineering Intern PhD: $42.00/hour

Intern pay is determined by the level of courses completed during the school term prior to starting the internship, not by the courses the intern will be taking following the internship.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Estimated Starting Salary Range:

$16.00 - $28.00

At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.