Mechanical Engineering Interns – Engine Testing & Scale-Up
UF Innovate | Accelerate
Job Description
Company: C-Dots Nanotec
Company Location: UF Innovate – The Hub, Gainesville, Florida
Work Location: Industrial laboratory; final location to be determined
Positions Available: 2
Position Type: Part-time, project-based internship
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Schedule: Approximately 10 hours per week, coordinated around academic commitments and project needs.
Hours: Approximately 10 hours per week
Anticipated Duration: 6 months
About C-Dots Nanotec
C-Dots Nanotec is a technology startup developing advanced carbon-dot-based additives for fuel efficiency and other applications. We are looking for two motivated Mechanical Engineering students to join us on a hands-on engineering project focused on scaling up our fuel testing and preparation capabilities.
This hands-on opportunity lets you contribute to an emerging technology while gaining practical experience in experimental engineering, equipment integration, and testing procedures in a startup environment.
Project Overview & Responsibilities
Interns will help scale up an existing laboratory-scale droplet engine test and support setting up a new industrial laboratory. Depending on project needs and progress, responsibilities may include:
Qualifications
Required
Position Details
Please submit a resume and a brief introduction describing your engineering interests and any relevant experience with engines, mechanical systems, laboratory equipment, or experimental testing to elif@cdotsnanotec.com.
We are looking for curious, resourceful, and safety-conscious students who enjoy hands-on work and want to help solve real-world engineering challenges.
Company Location: UF Innovate – The Hub, Gainesville, Florida
Work Location: Industrial laboratory; final location to be determined
Positions Available: 2
Position Type: Part-time, project-based internship
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Schedule: Approximately 10 hours per week, coordinated around academic commitments and project needs.
Hours: Approximately 10 hours per week
Anticipated Duration: 6 months
About C-Dots Nanotec
C-Dots Nanotec is a technology startup developing advanced carbon-dot-based additives for fuel efficiency and other applications. We are looking for two motivated Mechanical Engineering students to join us on a hands-on engineering project focused on scaling up our fuel testing and preparation capabilities.
This hands-on opportunity lets you contribute to an emerging technology while gaining practical experience in experimental engineering, equipment integration, and testing procedures in a startup environment.
Project Overview & Responsibilities
Interns will help scale up an existing laboratory-scale droplet engine test and support setting up a new industrial laboratory. Depending on project needs and progress, responsibilities may include:
- Laboratory setup: Assist with planning and establishing a new industrial lab, including equipment layout, setup, and preparation for testing.
- Test system scale-up: Support the scale-up of an existing lab-scale droplet engine test system.
- Mixing system development: Assist with setting up and evaluating a large scale ultrasonic mixing system designed to process up to 50 gallons of fuel within a few hours.
- Fuel preparation: Prepare and mix diesel fuel formulations containing carbon dot-based additives, following established procedures for safe handling, storage, and use.
- Engine testing: Potentially assist with testing conventional diesel fuel versus our Nanofuels formulations using small- or medium-scale engines.
- Experimental data and documentation: Record test conditions, document procedures, organize results, and help evaluate system performance.
- Troubleshooting and optimization: Help identify equipment and process challenges and contribute to practical engineering solutions.
Qualifications
Required
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering field.
- Strong interest in hands-on engineering, experimental work, and equipment development.
- Ability to follow technical procedures and document work accurately.
- Good problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
- Commitment to following laboratory and fuel-handling safety procedures.
- Experience working with small- or medium-scale engines through coursework, research, internships, or personal projects.
- Familiarity with mechanical systems, fluid handling, mixing equipment, or laboratory instrumentation.
- Experience with experimental testing, data collection, or troubleshooting.
- CAD, equipment design, or technical documentation skills.
Position Details
- Schedule: Approximately 10 hours per week, coordinated around academic commitments and project needs.
- Duration: The initial project is expected to last approximately six months.
- Work location: C-Dots Nanotec is based at UF Innovate – The Hub in Gainesville, Florida. Project work will involve an industrial laboratory, with the final location still being determined.
- Transportation: Candidates should be comfortable with the possibility of traveling to an industrial lab location.
- Future opportunities: There may be opportunities to continue working with the company beyond the initial project, depending on project progress, funding availability, and business needs.
- Hands-on experience with experimental engineering and technology scale-up.
- Exposure to industrial laboratory setup and equipment integration.
- Practical experience with fuel preparation, mixing systems, and potentially engine testing.
- Opportunities to develop troubleshooting, data analysis, and technical documentation skills.
- The chance to contribute directly to an emerging technology in a small, collaborative startup environment.
Please submit a resume and a brief introduction describing your engineering interests and any relevant experience with engines, mechanical systems, laboratory equipment, or experimental testing to elif@cdotsnanotec.com.
We are looking for curious, resourceful, and safety-conscious students who enjoy hands-on work and want to help solve real-world engineering challenges.
