Mechanical Engineer Spring 2026 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.

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 towards a minimum viable product (MVP) and commercial pilot that represents a substantial step forward in both scale and impact. 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:

- 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.