Mechanical/Chemical Engineer Intern - Summer 2026

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The Technology and Commercialization Division (TAC) at RTI International develops technologies that span the research and development gap from the university to industry scale. The successful candidate will become part of an experienced team to support the development and advancement of several existing carbon capture and utilization technologies. The technology areas currently include lab- and bench- scale CO2 capture, lab- and bench-scale CO2 conversion, solvent process optimization, sorbent process design, and membrane design for gas separations.

RTI International has openings for internships for mechanical or chemical engineering students to perform R&D activities on an array of energy and environmental technology projects. Projects range in scale from bench to pilot and are performed in a variety of testing environments. The intern must be knowledgeable in problem solving techniques, equipment selection, and control systems.

Day-to-day duties will involve hands-on responsibility to: carry out experimental measurements; run various laboratory tests; collect, analyze and summarize technical data from these measurements and tests; maintain accurate records; and provide laboratory support for various R&D projects. The intern will also support the team to conceptualize, design, plan and implement innovative technologies that enable new and competitive processes. The work provides exposure to the latest technologies and will be conducted with teams comprised of experienced scientists and engineers.

The objectives of the internship include developing an understanding of the R&D process for novel technologies that span different scales of technology development ranging from concept through to bench and prototype-scale development, and in some cases pre-commercial demonstration; and to be involved in and contribute todevelopment of innovative solutions to carbon capture and gas separations.

• Collect, analyze, and summarize technical data and background information.
• Contribute to the design of test systems at the bench and pilot scale; including specifying equipment, sizing lines, developing P&IDs, developing drawings, and working with vendors
• Operation of small and medium size process equipment in the lab and bench-scale.
• Assist in the design/development of computer spreadsheets and databases to process and analyze data and summarize/present information.
• Demonstrate increasing proficiency with written and verbal communication skills.
• Contribute to and/or prepare portions of technical memoranda, reports and presentations.
• Work individually or as part of a project team.
• Review and proof one's own work for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain files and laboratory notes to document work performed, including calculations, spreadsheets, memoranda, references, reviewer comments, etc.
• Take joint responsibility for safety of personnel through review of equipment and protocols for safety hazards with the team.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status
• In pursuit of a bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or related field
• Flexibility to work in an R&D facility
• Commitment to working safely at all times

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in laboratory work is a plus
• Demonstrated ability in the design and fabrication of equipment or systems is a plus
• Demonstrated CAD/SolidWorks capabilities are a plus
• Demonstrated ability to convert P&ID's to 3-D system drawings as well as develop drawings of vessels for fabrication is a plus
• Demonstrated working with equipment vendors is a plus

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is availablehere.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.