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 Environmental Engineer (Intern), you will focus on optimizing and integrating environmental control systems that support plant growth in microgravity. You’ll collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team—mechanical, chemical, electrical, and aerospace engineers—to ensure our systems meet the unique demands of space travel and resource-limited environments.​

Responsibilities
 

• Design & Optimize Hydroponic/Aeroponic Systems: Develop closed-loop nutrient and water recycling solutions for space and extreme environments.

• Gas Exchange Modeling: Regulate CO₂/O₂ balance in confined habitats to maintain healthy plant growth.

• Plant Physiology Research: Investigate how microgravity impacts duckweed and other crops; recommend adjustments for optimal yield.

• Sustainable Resource Cycling: Explore methods for nutrient and water recovery to minimize waste.

• Systems Integration: Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineers to embed plant growth modules into complete environmental control solutions.

• Lighting Strategies: Evaluate the effects of different light spectra on plant development under artificial lighting conditions

Requirements
 

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen (required for ITAR compliance)

• Education: Pursuing or holding a bachelor’s or master’s in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field

• Time Zone: Able to work remotely from anywhere in the United States (Eastern Time Zone preferred)

• Technical Skills: Familiarity with water purification, oxygenation, and nutrient cycling technologies

• Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving ability; comfortable working collaboratively in a remote team environment

What We Offer
 

• Hands-On Aerospace Experience: Contribute directly to cutting-edge hydroponic systems designed for spaceflight.

• Portfolio Development: Build an impressive body of work to showcase for future job opportunities or graduate applications.

• Professional Skill-Building: Refine your expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and deployable space systems.

• Industry Exposure: Work alongside seasoned engineers, scientists, and aerospace professionals.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with mentors and experts in space technology, CubeSat development, and sustainable research.

• Recognition: Potential involvement in conference presentations, research publications, and even future flight opportunities.

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Why Join Us?
 

• Innovation & Impact: We’re forging new paths in sustainable space nutrition that could also address food scarcity on Earth.

• Flexible & Remote: We’re fully remote with a culture that values work-life balance.

• Transparency & Collaboration: Our founders maintain an open-door policy, ensuring you stay connected to the vision and decision-making process.

• 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.