Software Engineering Co-op
About NONA
Nona Technologies applies cutting-edge desalination science to cooling water recycling. Spun out of MIT, our patented Ion Concentration Polarization process was built to turn seawater into drinking water — now it closes the loop on industrial cooling water, recovering what facilities would otherwise pour down the drain.
Our founding team includes an MIT research scientist who co-developed NONA’s novel technology, and management experience from Rivian Automotive’s product development team.
Job Description:
Nona Technologies is building and deploying next-generation water recovery hardware that helps cooling tower operators reduce water usage and operating expenses. Our technology shifts cooling operations from a “use and discharge” model to a more circular system where water is treated, recovered, and reused on-site.
We are in the process of scaling our proven technology from pilot deployments to commercial installations, and we are looking for a motivated, self-starting software engineering co-op passionate about startups to assist in deploying our technology.
This role involves the design, development, and improvements of our control systems, data architecture and pipeline, and internal software tools.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, test, and maintain internal software and data analysis tools
- Optimize and modify laboratory software in Python and LabVIEW
- Assist with PLC programming tasks such as adding or updating tags, implementing simple logic changes, and supporting standardized code structure under engineering review
- Help with commissioning and validation activities (I/O checks, sensor verification, device addressing, safety interlock verification) and document test results.
- Support troubleshooting of automation equipment by collecting symptoms, checking I/O status and alarms, and helping identify root causes
- Assist with basic industrial networking and device communications checks
- Document system configurations, troubleshooting notes, and standard work instructions; help build training and turnover materials.
- Work alongside other engineers to deploy and integrate firmware into the product
- Follow industry best practices with regards to documentation, testing, version control, and debugging
- Design experiments and perform tests on hardware
Job Requirements
- Currently has or in the process of obtaining a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or relevant field
- Strong programming skills in C or C++
- Resident of Massachusetts, or attending a school located in Massachusetts
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to occasionally lift 50lb pieces of equipment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Term: Fall 2026 (Target Start: September 1, 2026 to December 11, 2026).
- This position is site-based, requiring you to be at our Cambridge lab full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to HMIs, PLCs, and other industrial process automation
- Experience with hardware development skills (soldering, breadboards, oscilloscope, etc.)