Chemical Engineering Intern
Chemical Engineering Internship at Sandbox Carbon
Summer 2026 | Chicago, IL
Sandbox Carbon is a Chicago-based climate hardware startup building modular air pollution control systems for the built environment. Our technology is designed to address CO2, smog-forming pollutants, and indoor air quality challenges through a practical, service-based model that makes advanced emissions control accessible to more customers.
We are seeking a Chemical Engineering Intern for Summer 2026 to support the development, testing, and improvement of the chemical processes behind our hardware systems. This is a hands-on role for someone who wants real experience working on physical products in a fast-moving startup environment.
This internship is an opportunity to contribute directly to the development of commercial climate technology while working closely with an experienced engineering team in our Chicago workshop.
Details
- Full-time, paid summer internship
- Approximate dates: June through August 2026
- Compensation: $20 to $30 per hour, depending on experience
What you’ll do
- Support the improvement of chemical processes related to our systems
- Assist with lab and bench-scale experiments involving sorbents, filtration media, gas reatment, and related materials
- • Help plan, run, and document testing to evaluate system performance, capture efficiency, pressure drop, material behavior, and regeneration processes
- Analyze experimental data and help translate results into design and process recommendations
- Assist with process calculations, mass balances, and performance modeling
Basic qualifications
- Currently pursuing a degree in chemical engineering or a related field
- Strong interest in applied chemistry, process engineering, and experimental development
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Able to work in person in Chicago for the duration of the internship
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with lab research, bench-scale testing, or process development
- Familiarity with mass balances, reaction engineering, separations, or transport phenomena
- Experience analyzing experimental data in Excel, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
- Experience working safely with chemicals, gases, or laboratory equipment
Successful interns may be considered for future part-time or full-time opportunities with Sandbox Carbon.