Chemical Engineering Intern

Role: Chemical Engineering Intern

Reports To: Process Development Lead / Manager

Position Type: Internship (3-6 months)

Compensation: As per industry standards

Location: Delhi NCR

About the Role:

We are seeking a curious and driven Chemical Engineering Intern to join TAKACHARs process development team. Youll be at the forefront of developing and optimizing chemical processes that transform biomass waste into valuable bio-products such as biochar, bio-fertilizers, and activated carbon. This role involves hands-on lab and field work spanning reaction engineering, process characterization, analytical testing, and product quality evaluation. You will gain real-world exposure to cutting-edge green chemistry and circular economy applications in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Development & Optimization

• Assist in designing and optimizing chemical conversion processes for biomass torrefaction, pyrolysis, and carbonization
• Support development of process parameters (temperature, residence time, pressure, feedstock composition) for maximizing bio-product yield and quality
• Conduct lab-scale experiments to evaluate and improve chemical reaction pathways
• Help develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new and existing processes
• Contribute to scaling up lab processes to pilot and field-scale systems

Analytical Testing & Characterization

• Perform proximate and ultimate analysis of biomass feedstocks and bio-product outputs
• Conduct characterization tests including pH, moisture content, ash content, surface area (BET), and calorific value measurements
• Operate and maintain lab instruments such as muffle furnaces, gas analyzers, moisture analyzers, and titration setups
• Analyze process gas emissions (CO, CO, VOCs) and support emissions compliance evaluation
• Compile and interpret analytical data to generate test reports and performance summaries

Experimental Work & Prototyping

• Design and execute controlled lab experiments to validate process hypotheses and reaction models
• Prepare biomass feedstock samples and bio-product batches for testing and customer trials
• Develop and follow experimental protocols ensuring reproducibility and safety
• Iterate on process conditions based on experimental outcomes and data analysis
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and experimental records

Field Work & Real-World Validation

• Willingness to work in field environments including rural biomass collection sites and industrial processing locations
• Support installation, commissioning, and monitoring of chemical processing units at field sites
• Collect field samples and performance data for lab analysis and process benchmarking
• Collaborate with local operators and customers to understand feedstock variability and processing requirements
• Adapt process recommendations based on field constraints such as feedstock availability, ambient conditions, and equipment limitations
• Document field observations and contribute to improvement reports for process and product quality.

Required Qualifications;

Education & Experience:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelors or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field
• Coursework or project experience in reaction engineering, thermodynamics, mass & heat transfer, or process design
• Prior lab internship or project work involving chemical experiments, process testing, or analytical methods is a plus
• Academic or personal portfolio demonstrating hands-on experimental or process-related projects

Technical Skills

Reaction Engineering:

• Basic understanding of chemical kinetics, conversion rates, and reactor design principles

Analytical Techniques:

• Familiarity with proximate/ultimate analysis, titration, gas chromatography, or similar lab techniques

Lab Instrumentation:

• Hands-on experience with furnaces, balances, moisture analyzers, pH meters, or gas analyzers

Process Documentation:

• Ability to create SOPs, data logs, and test reports clearly and systematically

Software Tools:

• Proficiency in MS Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis; exposure to MATLAB, Python, or Aspen Plus is a bonus

Safety Awareness:

• Understanding of chemical lab safety protocols, PPE use, and hazardous material handling

Experimental & Field Skills

Prototyping Mindset:

• Eagerness to build, test, and refine lab-scale setups and experimental rigs

Experimental Design:

• Ability to plan structured experiments with clear variables, controls, and measurement protocols

Instrumentation:

• Comfort working with temperature sensors, flow meters, pressure gauges, and sampling equipment

Field Readiness:

• Willingness and ability to work in rural, outdoor, or industrial field environments

Problem- Solving:

• Practical troubleshooting skills for lab equipment, process deviations, and unexpected results

Soft Skills

• Inquisitive mindset with a genuine interest in sustainable chemistry and green technology
• Strong documentation habits and ability to communicate findings through written reports and presentations
• Collaborative and open to feedback, comfortable working across engineering, field, and business teams
• Adaptable and resourceful when working in environments with limited resources or equipment
• Self-starter who can manage tasks independently under guidance
• Committed to safety, accuracy, and scientific integrity in all lab and field activities

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus)

• Exposure to biomass conversion technologies such as pyrolysis, torrefaction, gasification, or composting
• Knowledge of biochar characterization standards (e.g., IBI, EBC) or soil amendment applications
• Familiarity with circular economy, life cycle assessment (LCA), or sustainability frameworks
• Prior experience working in rural or resource-constrained environments
• Understanding of emission standards and regulatory compliance for chemical processing
• Experience with data logging, SCADA systems, or basic process monitoring tools

What We Offer:

• Hands-on experience working on real chemical processes with measurable environmental and social impac
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and scientists in a mission-driven organization
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge green chemistry and biomass valorization research
• Field exposure across diverse geographies and application settings
• Strong learning curve with both laboratory and pilot-scale process exposure
• Potential for a full-time offer based on performance

Ideal Candidate Profile:

You’re a chemical engineering student or fresh graduate with a genuine passion for sustainable processes and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. You enjoy the rigor of lab work as much as the unpredictability of the field. You’re not afraid to get your hands dirty — whether that means running proximate analysis at the bench or collecting biomass samples at a rural farm. You learn quickly, document carefully, and bring a positive, collaborative energy to every challenge.

What You’ll Gain

• Stipend and learning allowance as per industry standards
• Opportunity to contribute to innovative technologies with a positive environmental impact
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and potential full-time conversion

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and why they are a good fit for the role. Please send your application to [email removed]

Note: TAKACHAR is committed to creating sustainable solutions for global challenges. We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in our workforce are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in our workforce.