Mechanical & Automation R&D Intern – Carbon Capture Startup
About Yama
Yama is tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change. Our mission is to capture 1 billion tons of CO₂ by 2050 by developing the most energy-efficient, scalable, and cost-effective low-concentration carbon capture technology, from Direct Air Capture (DAC) to diluted point-source emissions (ex: gas turbine).
Capturing CO₂ from low-concentration streams is essential to decarbonize hard-to-abate emissions and achieve global climate goals. Yet conventional carbon capture technologies remain energy-intensive, costly, and difficult to scale. At Yama, we are developing a breakthrough fully electrified carbon capture process combining advanced absorption chemistry and electrochemical regeneration. Our technology is designed to significantly reduce energy consumption and enable flexible operation, making carbon capture more affordable and easier to integrate with industrial operations.
Founded in 2023, Yama is a Delaware-incorporated spinout from Deep Science Ventures, supported by the Grantham Foundation and backed by leading US and European investors. Based in Paris, our leadership team—CEO Aurélie Gonzalez, CTO Valentin Fougerit, and Head of Science Harry Macpherson—is driving our mission to make low-concentration carbon capture a scalable climate solution.
Join us to help develop and scale the next generation of carbon capture technology.
The Role - Mechanical & Automation R&D Intern
Yama is looking for a Mechanical & Automation R&D Intern to join its R&D team and contribute to the design, construction, and automation of our laboratory-scale experimental setups.
Our R&D activities rely on several experimental systems, including gas-liquid absorption columns and electrochemical regeneration setups. As our technology advances, we aim to upgrade these systems by improving their mechanical design, integrating new equipment, and automating key operations to enable more efficient, reliable, and reproducible experiments.
Working closely with our R&D engineers, you will contribute to the mechanical design, assembly, instrumentation, and automation of experimental skids, from initial engineering design to commissioning and validation.
This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of mechanical engineering, process engineering, and automation, with direct hands-on involvement in developing and improving real carbon capture experimental systems.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Mechanical design and skid development: Design and improve laboratory-scale experimental skids, including equipment layout, mechanical supports, piping connections, and integration of process components.
- Equipment selection and integration: Select, size, procure, and install pumps, valves, tubing, fittings, sensors, and other components based on experimental and process requirements.
- Assembly and commissioning: Build and modify experimental setups, perform mechanical assembly, verify leak-tightness, and support system commissioning.
- Instrumentation and automation: Integrate sensors, actuators, and control systems to enable automated operation of absorption and electrochemical setups.
- Control system development: Develop and implement control logic for liquid flow regulation, automated pump operation, tank filling and draining, and experimental sequences.
- Software and data acquisition: Develop simple control and monitoring interfaces, enabling automated data collection, visualization, and experimental traceability.
- Testing and optimization: Troubleshoot mechanical and automation issues, validate system performance, and propose improvements to enhance reliability, safety, and experimental efficiency.
- Engineering documentation: Prepare and maintain technical drawings, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and operating procedures.
You will primarily focus on upgrading and automating our absorption and electrochemical laboratory setups, with the objective of developing reliable, modular, and reusable experimental systems.
You will work closely with our R&D engineers, with regular interactions with the CTO and other members of the technical team.
Position benefits
- End-to-end engineering experience: Contribute to the complete development of experimental skids, from mechanical design and equipment selection to assembly, automation, and commissioning.
- Hands-on technical ownership: Take responsibility for real engineering projects and see your designs implemented and operated in the laboratory.
- Multidisciplinary learning: Develop skills across mechanical design, fluid systems, instrumentation, automation, and process engineering.
- Meaningful technical impact: Help improve the reliability, efficiency, and reproducibility of experimental research at Yama.
- Close mentorship: Collaborate directly with experienced engineers and scientists in a dynamic R&D environment.
- Real-world climate impact: Contribute to the development of scalable, energy-efficient carbon capture technology.
- Dynamic startup environment: Join an international deep-tech team based in Villejuif, easily accessible from Paris by metro.
Qualification requirements
Education & Experience
- Currently pursuing a Master's degree or final-year engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field.
- Previous academic or project experience in mechanical design, experimental setup development, instrumentation, or automation is a plus.
- Experience with fluid systems, laboratory equipment, or experimental skids is appreciated but not required.
Technical Skills
- Good understanding of mechanical design, fluid systems, and equipment integration.
- Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or equivalent).
- Ability to understand technical drawings, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
- Basic knowledge of pumps, valves, sensors, actuators, and fluid handling systems.
- Knowledge of automation and control principles, including feedback control and basic programming.
- Programming skills in Python, PLC programming, LabVIEW, or similar environments are a plus.
- Comfortable with hands-on mechanical assembly, troubleshooting, and laboratory work.
- Fluency in English; French is a plus.
Mindset
- Passionate about climate innovation and developing technologies with real-world impact.
- Hands-on and practical, with a strong interest in building, assembling, and improving real engineering systems.
- Curious, resourceful, and motivated by multidisciplinary technical challenges.
- Proactive, autonomous, and results-oriented, with the ability to take ownership of engineering projects.
- Rigorous, safety-conscious, and attentive to detail.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment.
Ready to Build the Future?
If you're excited about designing, building, and automating experimental systems for next-generation carbon capture technology, we'd love to hear from you!
Send your CV and a short cover letter explaining your motivation and interest in the role to application@yamacarbon.com.
Join Yama and help develop the next generation of carbon capture technology!