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Intern and Grow with us
About Duckweed Labs
Duckweed Labs is a diverse, multi-institutional startup focused on sustainable space nutrition to support long-duration astronaut missions and, ultimately, communities on Earth facing food scarcity. Our flagship product, the Duckweed Protein Supplement Dispenser (DPSD), offers a renewable, efficient way to keep astronauts healthy, while reducing costly resupply missions. If you’re seeking a dynamic environment where you’ll solve puzzles nobody has tackled before, and where your ideas truly matter: you’re going to love Duckweed Labs.
Role Overview
As an Electrical Engineer (Intern), you will design and integrate embedded control systems, optimize sensor networks, and develop power management strategies for our hydroponic growth chambers. Working closely with mechanical, software, and agricultural engineers, you’ll help create a closed-loop environment that monitors and maintains plant life in microgravity.
Responsibilities
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Embedded Control Systems: Design and implement systems for automated hydroponic growth chambers.
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Sensor Development: Create arrays to track temperature, humidity, pH, CO₂, nutrient levels, and other environmental factors.
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Power Optimization: Develop power distribution approaches to maximize energy efficiency and reliability for space operations.
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Lighting Integration: Incorporate LED solutions optimized for plant growth under artificial conditions.
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Data Acquisition & Telemetry: Establish real-time monitoring and communication methods for remote environments.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with mechanical, software, and agricultural engineers to ensure seamless system integration.
Requirements
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Citizenship: U.S. Citizen (required for ITAR compliance)
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Education: Currently pursuing or holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field
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Time Zone: Able to work in Eastern Time Zone
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Technical Skills:
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PCB design and circuit integration for sensor networks
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Power management and energy efficiency strategies for remote systems
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Familiarity with automated control systems for agriculture or environmental monitoring
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Experience with manufacturing drawings (preferred)
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Knowledge of space-rated materials (preferred)
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Soft Skills:
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Strong problem-solving abilities
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Excellent teamwork and communication skills
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What We Offer
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Hands-On Aerospace Experience: Contribute directly to cutting-edge hydroponic systems designed for spaceflight.
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Portfolio Development: Build an impressive body of work to showcase for future job opportunities or graduate applications.
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Professional Skill-Building: Refine your expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and deployable space systems.
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Industry Exposure: Work alongside seasoned engineers, scientists, and aerospace professionals.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with mentors and experts in space technology, CubeSat development, and sustainable research.
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Recognition: Potential involvement in conference presentations, research publications, and even future flight opportunities.
Why Join Us?
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Innovation & Impact: We’re forging new paths in sustainable space nutrition that could also address food scarcity on Earth.
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Flexible & Remote: We’re fully remote with a culture that values work-life balance.
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Transparency & Collaboration: Our founders maintain an open-door policy, ensuring you stay connected to the vision and decision-making process.
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Growth & Learning: Experience new challenges daily, collaborate with a passionate team, and shape the future of space travel and beyond.
Please note: This is an unpaid internship.
Apply Now
If you’re excited to solve unique challenges, learn every day, and contribute to a project that pushes the boundaries of human exploration, we want to meet you! We believe our strength lies in diverse ideas and backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t match every requirement listed. Your perspective could be the missing piece.
If you’re motivated, curious, and ready to innovate, join us on this mission to revolutionize space nutrition and make a lasting impact. Click apply and submit your resume and a brief statement of interest.
Join Our Team
We’re looking for highly-motivated, super skilled, humble and hungry individuals to intern and grow with us. Submit your application. Join Duckweed Labs!
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