Energy Systems Internship

Energy Systems Internship

Start Date: CURRENTLY OPEN

Application Deadline: ASAP

Length of internship: 6 months with possible 6 month renewal

Thesis availability: No

The Fraunhofer USA Center for Manufacturing Innovation is looking for an Intern with strong hands-on skills to contribute to its building retrofit technology development and demonstration projects. This is an opportunity to participate in exciting and impactful research projects that could dramatically reduce building space heating energy consumption.  Fraunhofer USA CMI internships typically last for 6 months, but longer internships can also be accommodated.

The Intern will contribute to product design and manufacturing process development work for two novel prefabricated exterior wall recladding systems. As part of two multi-year RD&D projects, team members are developing insulated panel block technology with foam insulation and integral manufactured stone (masonry) or vinyl cladding. We apply digital processes to largely automate the design and fabrication of a custom set of insulated “panel blocks” (PBs) tailored to each building. Working with our team, you will help develop and scale up production processes for the masonry- and/or vinyl-clad PBs, as well as trim solutions for the masonry system. You may also contribute to demonstrations of the PB technologies on a mock-up wall and full-size buildings and work with external manufacturing partners to scale-up production. 

We regularly present the findings of our work at major building energy efficiency conferences, and prior interns have co-authored studies.

Principal Responsibilities:

You will work with the Energy Systems team to learn skills needed to develop effective and scalable processes to produce mass-customized insulated wall panels to reclad buildings. Activities will include: prototyping and testing the viability of different designs for production equipment and processes; testing insulated panels and trim solutions on mock-ups; and identifying potential design and installation process improvement. You may also work with manufacturing partners to help scale up production and support demonstrations of the PB technologies on full-size buildings. 

Preferred Experience and Education:

An excellent academic record inan undergraduate degree program in a relevant discipline, e.g., Mechanical Engineering, and. 

• Demonstrated aptitude for and strong interest on building physical artifacts.
• Prior hands-on experience with buildings and/or manufacturing processes strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to accept a high degree of responsibility in a team-based organization, combined with ability to work independently.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills.
• Willingness to go the extra mile to support the team’s research projects.

To Apply:

Applicants for a Fraunhofer USA CMI Internship must be enrolled in a college or university or within one year of graduation at the time of starting the internship.

• Send an email with Your Name and suggested internship in the subject field
      Example: Jana Fraunhofer for Energy Systems Internship
• Attach your cover letter, resume, transcripts, and any letters of recommendations. Single PDF files are preferred, not required
• Send your email to cmi@fraunhofer.org