Undergraduate Summer Research Internship: Field-Deployable Platforms for Low-Carbon Methanol Production from Stranded Methane

University of Central Florida

1d • $18 • Onsite

About The Position

Florida Solar Energy Center: The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), is the state’s premier energy research institution. Created by the Florida Legislature in 1975 to advance research, development and education in solar energy, FSEC’s focus includes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation research, demonstration, and education.FSEC is administered by the University of Central Florida and is located in Cocoa, Florida. The Opportunity: FSEC invites applications for an Undergraduate Summer Research Internship focused on low-carbon methanol production from fugitive methane resources. This internship will take place at M2X Energy Inc. (Rockledge, Florida), where the intern will collaborate with both researchers and industry engineers. All research and hands-on activities will occur at this off-campus sponsor facility. Responsibilities: This program focuses on supporting activities related to process development, optimizations and designs of portable, modular gas-to-methanol technologies in partnership with M2X Energy Inc.

Requirements

• Enrollment or recent completion in an engineering or science undergraduate program and basic proficiency in one or more of the following: chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or chemistry with scientific lab work.
• Applicant must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer, as sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with process diagrams and CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) and interpreting or drafting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID).
• Hands-on experience in bench-scale instrumentation development and experimentation.
• Familiar with piping assembly, fittings, and gas cylinder handling.
• Track records with detailed documentation of experimental procedure, SOPs plus good data management skills.
• Familiarity with data processing, analysis and computing tools such as Excel, Origin, MATLAB and Python.
• Interest in manufacturing, process engineering and clean technology processes.
• Hands-on aptitude and comfortable working in a shop, laboratory and/or manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication skills and awareness of other technical staff, external partners, equipment/instrument manufacturers, etc.

Responsibilities

• Development and review of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Creation and support of CAD drawings for equipment layouts, skid assemblies, and process components.
• Design, assembly, and experimentation with benchtop instruments, including data acquisition and analysis.
• Basic process control support and maintenance of engineering and manufacturing documentation.
• Assembly, modification, and operation of flow reactors and adsorption testing systems (such as breakthrough rigs) to generate data for pressure swing adsorption (PSA) modeling and validation.
• Participation in chemical laboratory experiments and processes, including but not limited to testing adsorbent materials to enhance methane recovery from renewable natural gas streams.
• Preparation of written and oral reports summarizing experimental results, processes, and findings.

Benefits

• State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state’s benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First.
• OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern