RnD Internship

WE ARE SKYTREE

Skytree enables a transition to a world with cleaner Air for everyone. We do this by developing and deploying smart technology that captures atmospheric carbon dioxide, enabling its use or storage to combat climate change and aid society and businesses around the world.

Born out of the European Space Agency (ESA), we are a global team of highly talented scientists, engineers and business professionals, supported by an experienced management team. Our working culture is based on a dynamic and smart approach to business with an open and understanding attitude to others and a desire to expand the boundaries of what is possible.

As we enter a new phase of growth, we are looking for a driven Masters student to go on this journey with us.

Take a moment to read more about our values and life at Skytree on our Careers Page.

Ready to make your mark on the world of CO2? Then read on

THE PROJECT

Skytree builds modular and scalable technology for Direct Air Capture (DAC) of CO2 to combat climate change. As part of that technology, we design, develop, and build machinery for CO2 capture using a sorbent material. Depending on the conditions of incoming air, and the conformation of the filter, the DAC performance may vary. To optimize DAC capacity and efficiency regardless of (weather) conditions, it is of utmost importance to design our machinery the best way possible.

In this internship, you will be you will be part of the Research & Development team working on improving our models representation of climatic conditions on the DAC process. DAC productivity is dependent on temperature and relative humidity. We currently have computational models representing the effects of these parameters on the performance of our units. Nonetheless, new process data is being generated from several devices and at different locations. In this project, we want a student to fit our existing models to this large database. Thereafter, the models should be used to suggest optimum scenarios, and improvements in our machines operating setup. Finally, there are different models describing this process, with different complexity. We want the student to explore which model would be best.

* Internship duration- 3-6 months, full-time, 40 hrs a week.

* Start date- Oct/Nov 2024

* This position does not meet the criteria for employer sponsorship, therefore we are unable to support work permit or residency applications.

YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT BY

• Designing the next generation of DAC machinery.
• Simulating the effects of weather DAC process and suggesting optimized operating conditions.
• Coming up with new and optimized models of the DAC process. Starting models will be provided by Skytree’s R&D team.
• Working in the intersection of R&D and Engineering, utilizing data from both teams, interpreting simulations, experimental testing results and reporting.
• Contributing to the development of our DAC testing platform by providing recommendations for improvements based on your model observations.
  
  

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You have completed, are in the midst or at the end of a technical degree (mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, process/chemical engineering, computational engineering, etc.).
• Experience with dynamic systems simulation, data fitting and parameter estimation.
• Experience with MATLAB is preferred for this project (functions ode 15s, lsqnonlin). Experience with Python (scipy library, solve_ivp, least_squares functions) is valued.
• You enjoy working with large data sets, data fitting and simulations, and in the intersection of multidisciplinary teams, including testing partners.
• You are not afraid of computational work and thrive in tracing bugs in both software and hardware.
• You enjoy cross-disciplinary challenges which require creative thinking.
• You have an open-mind and enjoy working as part of a diverse, multi-cultural team.
• You are a good communicator and can write clear, concise technical documentation 
• You are proficient in English, both verbally and in written form.
  
  

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• An opportunity for professional and personal growth in one of the most innovative climate tech start-ups in Amsterdam
• A diverse and international team.
• Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning to support your growth.
• A cozy office located close to the Science Park train station, also close to the highway.
• Access to the Science Park and Amsterdam University cafeterias (and all the great and healthy meal options).
• A monthly lunch allowance.
• Regular social activities hosted by our very own Champagne Committee.