Thermochemical Intern

About the Role

We are seeking a curious and driven Thermo-chemical Intern to join Takachar's process development and operations team. You will work on the thermo-chemical conversion of crop and forest residues - torrefaction, pyrolysis and carbonization - into valuable bio-products such as biochar, bio-fertilizers and activated carbon. The role spans four connected areas: analytical lab testing, hands-on operation of our proprietary reactors, first-principles modelling of the process, and real-world validation at rural field sites. Expect significant time working in rural environments, bridging design concepts with practical thermal design, operation and manufacturing processes.

Position Type: Internship

Duration: 6 Months

Location: Chandpura (Tohana), Haryana, India

Key Responsibilities

Thermo-chemical Process Development & Optimization

• Learn to operate our proprietary reactors and assist in R&D experimentation, trials and process optimization
• Support development of process parameters - temperature, residence time, heating rate, air/fuel ratio and feedstock composition - to maximize bio-product yield and quality
• Conduct lab- and pilot-scale experiments to evaluate and improve thermo-chemical reaction pathways
• Help develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new and existing processes
• Contribute to scaling up lab processes to pilot and field-scale systems

Lab Testing, Analysis & Characterization

• Conduct quality assessments, moisture analysis and proximate analysis on biomass feedstocks and bio-product outputs
• Perform characterization tests covering ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, calorific value, pH and bulk density; support ultimate analysis where available
• Operate and maintain lab instruments such as muffle furnaces, moisture analyzers, bomb calorimeters, balances, titration setups and gas analyzers
• Analyze process and flue gas emissions (CO, CO2, VOCs) and support emissions compliance evaluation
• Maintain high standards of data integrity - every sample traceable, every reading verifiable

Modelling & Data-driven Simulation

• Build physics-driven, first-principles models of the process from operating conditions and experimental results
• Model heat and mass transfer, drying and devolatilization behavior, and reaction kinetics inside the reactor
• Close energy and mass balances across the system and flag where measured data and model predictions diverge
• Validate and iteratively refine models against experimental and field data, and use them to propose the next set of operating conditions to test

Field Work & Real-world Validation

• Willingness to work in field environments including rural biomass collection sites and industrial processing locations
• Support installation, commissioning and monitoring of thermo-chemical processing units at field sites
• Collect field samples and performance data for lab analysis and process benchmarking
• Collaborate with local operators and customers to understand feedstock variability and processing requirements
• Adapt process recommendations to field constraints such as feedstock availability, ambient conditions and equipment limitations

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain rigorous, time-bound logs of daily operations, research observations and experimental results
• Keep detailed lab notebooks and experimental records that another engineer can reproduce from
• Compile and interpret analytical data into test reports and performance summaries
• Document field observations and contribute to improvement reports for process and product quality

Requirements & Tech Stack

Education & Experience

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a B.Tech / M.Tech in Mechanical, Thermal, Energy, Environmental, Rural Technology, Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or a related field
• Coursework or project experience in thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, combustion, or energy system design
• Prior lab internship or project work involving thermal or chemical experiments, process testing, or analytical methods is a plus
• Academic or personal portfolio demonstrating hands-on experimental, operational or process-related projects

Technical Skills

• Thermal & Reaction Engineering: Foundational understanding of heat transfer, thermal energy system design, combustion and pyrolysis fundamentals, reaction kinetics and basic reactor design principles
• Analytical Techniques: Familiarity with proximate / ultimate analysis, calorimetry, titration, gas analysis or similar lab techniques
• Lab Instrumentation: Hands-on experience with furnaces, balances, moisture analyzers, thermocouples, pressure gauges, flow meters and pH meters
• Modelling & Software Tools: Proficiency in MS Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis; exposure to Python, MATLAB or Aspen Plus is a strong bonus
• Process Documentation: Ability to create SOPs, data logs and test reports clearly and systematically, and proficiency in IT tools for professional reporting
• Safety Awareness: Understanding of lab and high-temperature equipment safety protocols, PPE use and hazardous material handling

Experimental & Field Skills

• Prototyping Mindset: Eagerness to build, test and refine lab-scale setups and experimental rigs
• Experimental Design: Ability to plan structured experiments with clear variables, controls and measurement protocols
• Instrumentation: Comfort working with temperature sensors, flow meters, pressure gauges and sampling equipment
• Field Readiness: Willingness and ability to work in rural, outdoor or industrial field environments
• Problem-Solving: Practical troubleshooting of lab equipment, process deviations and unexpected results

Soft Skills

• Adaptability: Comfortable in an early-stage startup where goals can shift daily based on testing outcomes
• Communication: Fluent in English (reading and speaking); able to coordinate effectively with diverse teams across engineering, field and business functions
• Problem-Solving: A curious mindset with a proactive rather than reactive approach to technical hurdles
• Rigor: Strong documentation habits and the ability to communicate findings through written reports and presentations
• Resourcefulness: Collaborative, open to feedback and effective in environments with limited resources or equipment
• Integrity: Committed to safety, accuracy and scientific honesty in all lab, operational and field activities

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus)

• Exposure to biomass conversion technologies such as pyrolysis, torrefaction, gasification or composting
• Knowledge of biochar characterization standards (e.g., IBI, EBC) or soil amendment applications.
• Familiarity with circular economy, life cycle assessment (LCA) or sustainability frameworks.
• Prior experience working in rural or resource-constrained environments.
• Understanding of emission standards and regulatory compliance for thermal and chemical processing.