Engineer in CO2 electrolysis Internship

About Us

We are a deep tech spin-off from the CNRS labs in Montpellier (France), with a revolutionary patented technology, sponsored by the SATT AXLR and the European Research Council, among others.

We electrolyse CO2 emissions and turn them into green base-chemicals (ethylene to start with, but we won’t stop there…), which are then transformed in all sort of objects of our daily lives: building materials, medical instruments, furniture, clothes, etc… Think growing trees for materials, but turbocharged to an industrial scale and speed.

With strong links with leading research outfits in various European countries, and having achieved traction with world-class industrial players, we are fast industrialising our technology to move from the lab to the plant.

Location: Montpellier, France
Start Date: Immediate
Duration: 6 months (Paid)

Are you passionate about disruptive technologies, heavy industry, and energy transition? Do you want to experience firsthand what it means to build an innovative company from the ground up, while working at the highest scientific level? E-ETHYLENE offers a unique internship opportunity within a dynamic deep tech startup. You will collaborate daily with top European scientists and, notably, with our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Damien Voiry, an internationally recognized expert in the field with more than 100 publications. This is your chance to contribute directly to ambitious, high-impact research projects.

Your Role

As a research engineer intern, you will support the R&D team in developing next-generation cathodes for CO₂ electroreduction in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzers. Your main responsibilities will include the fabrication, characterization, and performance testing of cathodes in zero-gap configurations. You will also actively contribute to the research process, bringing your scientific insight to help guide ongoing developments.

Your tasks will include:

• Electrode fabrication: material synthesis and ink formulation and deposition.
• Material characterization: SEM, EDX, XRD, water contact angle measurements, and other techniques.
• Electrochemical testing: routine operation of electrolyzers for CO₂ reduction.
• Data analysis: organizing, interpreting, and reporting experimental results.
• Team collaboration: participating in R&D meetings and contributing ideas to improve methodologies and outcomes.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Contribute to Europe’s energy transition by promoting sustainable chemicals.
• Learning Opportunities: Gain hands-on experience in the development of a deep tech start-up.
• Professional Growth: Open the door to a potential full-time position based on performance.
• Challenging Environment: Be part of a growing, innovative team in a special market segment.

Who You Are

We are looking for a candidate with:

• Education: You have or are pursuing a Master’s (MSc/M2) or final-year engineering student specializing in materials science, electrochemistry, or a related discipline. Analytical Skills: Basic proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Origin) — knowledge of Python or automation tools is a plus.
• Technical Expertise: Strong foundation in materials characterization (e.g., SEM, XRD, EDX) and/or electrochemical techniques (e.g., EIS, LSV, chronoamperometry).
• Languages: Fluency in English (spoken and written), French is a plus.
• Mindset: Motivated and hands-on, you’re eager to contribute to the development of sustainable technologies through rigorous experimental work.

Availability: You must be able to start no later than Sept 1^st, 2025 and commit to the internship duration of 6 months.