Chemical Engineering Intern (Pack STEM, DSSP Inc., Summer '25)
**This internship is hosted by DSSP Inc. and sponsored by the Nevada Career Studio.
To be eligible for this internship, all applicants must have their resume and cover letter reviewed by the Nevada Career Studio (NCS). Please visit during drop-in hours before applying for this position. Students will not be able to submit applications for this position without NCS approval.
About DSSP Inc:
DSSP is a local aerospace and defense company that researches and manufactures green, safe, electrically controlled propellants. These propellants can be used for a variety of purposes including special effects, satellite maneuvering, training simulators, and enhanced oil and gas recovery. DSSP manufactures the propellants and designs the electronics to control the propellants. One of our current projects focuses on battlefield effects simulators to enhance military training scenarios. We are a small close-knit group looking for some new interns to assist our full-time engineers.
Internship Description:
This chemical engineering intern will assist with production and analysis of DSSP's electric safe propellants. This includes the use and tuning of our microreactor and use of various other lab equipment to include a 50L rotovap, DSC and TGA, titrator and UV Vis Spectrometer. One project will include researching and setting up small scale production of hydroxylamine solution to reduce potential issues with supply chain.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Complete 360 hours of work as an intern (32-40 hours per week, 12 weeks total)
- Assist with production of liquid propellant
- Assist with analysis of liquid propellant
- Research of the process to make hydroxylamine solution
- Set-up small scale process and make hydroxylamine and analyze for purity
- Assist with material compatibility testing
- Assist with making propellant for eSquibs (special effects device)
Goals and Expectations of the Intern:
Be able to learn new things quickly. We understand not many things will translate from the classroom to this position, so learning is a task in itself. Self-learners will do great. We expect engineers will help guide the intern and for the intern to progress on the task individually.
Punctuality is expected, as we let interns set their own schedules and to follow those as set. Time management during projects is key, knowing when to keep going and when to ask for help.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be a degree-seeking student at the University of Nevada, Reno after the Spring ‘25 semester
- Spring ‘25 or earlier graduates are not eligible for the Wolf Pack STEM Internship Program
- Having past experience in a lab environment is required (having taken at least two school chemistry labs courses would be sufficient for this requirement)
- Must be a US Citizen due to requirements of DSSP's military contracts
Preferred Qualifications:
- Junior or senior standing as of Fall '25 is preferred
Desired Schedule for Intern:
Applicants must be available to work 30-40hrs per week during office hours which are M-F 8am to 5pm. Schedule is flexible and can vary week to week if needed.
Pack STEM internships require interns to complete 360 hours during their internship. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met.