Propellant Chemistry Intern

Benchmark Space Systems•Pleasanton, CA

2d•$24 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Benchmark Space Systems is seeking a Propellant Chemistry Intern for the summer of 2027. The intern will work closely with engineers and chemists to design, build, and test technologies for next-generation in-space propulsion products for small satellites and other missions. The internship offers exposure to industry best practices, propulsion engineering, propellant chemistry, engineering software, and the documentation and presentation of engineering results. The position is onsite in Pleasanton, California. Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or another relevant field. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. export control laws; visa sponsorship is unavailable now or in the future. Previous internship or research experience in the chemical, medical, or space industry is a plus but is not required.

Requirements

Be enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or another relevant field.
Experience using and maintaining analytical chemistry instruments and apparatus, such as vacuum filtration, titration, densitometers, spectroscopy, and refractometers.
Chemical handling experience, including knowledge of acids, alkalis, solvents, oxidizers and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Hands-on laboratory testing and debugging skills, including experience with equipment such as logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies, multimeters, and data acquisition systems.
Ability to design and fabricate experimental apparatus for chemical and physical tests.
Ability to work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed team.
Ability and willingness to work in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
Effective written, visual presentation, and oral communication skills for explaining technical problems and concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. export control laws; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Previous internship or research experience in the chemical, medical, or space industry.
Previous internship or research experience related to chemistry or chemical propulsion.
A passion for chemistry and space.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and execute chemical and mechanical tests.
Maintain, clean, and repair laboratory instruments and equipment.
Set up chemical experiments, tests, and analyses using standard analytical chemistry equipment.
Prepare chemical solutions.
Provide and maintain a safe work environment.
Provide technical support to chemists, engineers, and technicians.
Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.
Compile and interpret test and analysis results.
Develop or conduct sampling and analysis programs to maintain quality standards for incoming chemicals and standard solutions.
Write technical reports and charts documenting experimental results.
Design or fabricate experimental apparatus to develop products or processes.
Develop new chemical engineering processes or production techniques.
Source new materials and tools.
Collaborate across departments and help with other tasks as needed based on business needs.