Internship - Chemical Engineering

Calpine • Middletown, CA

87d • $23 - $33

About The Position

Calpine Corporation is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. Its fleet of 77 power plants in operation represents over 27,000 megawatts of generation capacity. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner. The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity. The Geysers is the largest complex of geothermal power plants in the world. Calpine is the largest geothermal power producer in the US and one of the most reliable energy sources in California accounting for approximately one fifth of the green power produced in California.

Requirements

• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S. now and in the future for any company.
• Completed coursework in their junior year in engineering science, including chemical engineering coursework in Chemical Process Analysis, Transport Phenomena, and chemistry coursework in General Chemistry with lab, and Quantitative Analysis with lab.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office Tools software (Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel (& preferably VBA as well)).
• Willing to work as a team with good writing and communication skills.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and have the ability to drive mountainous, winding, narrow roads.
• Strong work ethic and initiative.
• Good academic standing.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chemistry Department in a variety of chemical process control and monitoring efforts for The Geysers.
• Work alongside Chemical Engineers on projects including Plant Performance, Historical Analysis, and/or Chemical Laboratory improvements.
• Learn how H2S Abatement systems operate and conduct studies and audits at different plant locations.
• Evaluate H2S abatement process salt minimization strategies.
• Build a spreadsheet material balance around a geothermal power plant and develop an overall kinetic equation for the H2S abatement reaction.
• Assist lab personnel in analytical laboratory tasks including field sampling, chemical analyses, and data entry.
• Utilize lab equipment including wet chemistry, atomic absorption, liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, and gas chromatography.
• Analyze geothermal steam and cooling water samples including iron, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and other geothermally sourced chemical species.
• Perform site visits with Calpine personnel at local plants to learn the environment and activities in them and assist in troubleshooting H2S abatement system problems.

Benefits

• Salary range of $23.00 to $33.00 per hour.
• Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
• Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Industry: Utilities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree