Takachar’s vision is to dramatically increase the amount of biomass (crop and forest residues) economically converted into useful products. Our impacts include income and job creation in rural areas, as well as mitigation of CO2 emission and air pollution associated with conventional open-air biomass residue burning. In North American West Coast, improved vegetation management of non-merchantable residues may also mitigate the risks of catastrophic wildfires. We are winners of Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Fellowship, Elon Musk’s XPRIZE Carbon Removal, and Prince William’s inaugural Earthshot Prize.
Job Duties/Responsibilities
ABOUT YOU
You are a friendly and hardworking team player who is eager to take on new challenges with a background in an engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, civil, or computer science. With a strong mechanical aptitude, you enjoy a hands-on, highly dynamic role in a fast-paced environment that keeps you physically active and gets you outdoors.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Mode A. Internal testing: We are currently testing a hardware prototype. Supervised by our Operations Manager, you will work alongside our 1-2 other junior project engineers on this effort. You will assist in:
- Operating the equipment safely and continuously for a few hours a day under different operating conditions.
- Collecting data for remote analysis by our analysts.
- Arranging a steady supply of different types of biomass to ship to Richmond for our testing.
- Working with remote programmers to load updates onto the programmable logic controller system.
- Training other oncoming interns or co-ops on certain aspects of the job.
- Keeping an electronic laboratory notebook with all the observations and data collected during the day.
- Making iterative fabrications to improve the prototype at a Sonoma farm.
Mode B. Field demonstration: We will also be deploying this hardware equipment from our internal site to a forested landing in rural communities for further field testing. You will be:
- Coordinating the logistics for moving this 500 lb hardware equipment to this remote location.
- Working alongside 1-2 other project engineers, as well as additional third-party timber harvesting or vegetation management crew.
- Operating the equipment safely and continuously for a few hours a day under different operating conditions.
- Spending a part of your time working in a rural environment under resource-constrained settings.
Mode C. Independent Project: On the days you are not needed for Mode A (generally 2 days/week), we will work with you to define your own independent project which you can own for the duration of your co-op. Some past projects successfully carried out by co-op students include:
- Designing an improved conveyance system on SolidWorks.
- Implementing and testing an Arduino-based temperature alarm system.
- Writing Python scripts to automate the processing of certain data collected from the reactor.
- Performing an overall energy and mass balance of a drying system.
During your employment, Modes A/C and B will alternate.
REQUIREMENTS
- Detail and safety oriented.
- Prior experience with machine/power tools.
- Comfortable working with basic metal fabrication equipment and techniques.
- Ability to advise and brainstorm with the team on fabrication solutions.
- Committed to Inclusivity; ability to engage well with disadvantaged communities.
NICE TO HAVE
- Prior experience with electronics.
- Prior experience with hardware operations and logistics.
- Comfort level with driving a pick-up truck towing a load.
We offer competitive salary, and depending on the context, relocation benefits. All interns receive career development mentorship.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to info at takachar dot com.
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