Intern, Chemical Engineering

About the Role

The Process & Production Chemical Engineering Internship Program at NextDecade is designed for motivated students seeking to apply their technical knowledge in a real-world industrial setting. Interns will gain exposure to liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations, process engineering, production systems, and large-scale energy infrastructure while working alongside experienced professionals. Placement on a specific team is not guaranteed.

Key Responsibilities

Examples of potential internship experiences include:

• Process Engineering:
• Assisting with process performance monitoring and data analysis.
• Supporting process optimization initiatives focused on safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Reviewing process trends and identifying opportunities for operational improvement.
• Assisting with engineering calculations, process simulations, and technical studies.
• Supporting development and updates of process documentation, procedures, and operating guidelines.
• Production & Operations Support:
• Analyzing plant and operational data to support decision-making.
• Assisting with troubleshooting and root-cause investigations.
• Supporting process safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participating in cross-functional projects involving operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Developing reports, dashboards, and tools to improve operational visibility and performance.
• Technical & Strategic Projects:
• Conducting research on emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices.
• Supporting environmental, sustainability, and emissions-related initiatives.
• Assisting with process hazard reviews, risk assessments, or engineering studies.
• Creating presentations and recommendations for technical and business stakeholders.
• Supporting large-scale infrastructure and energy projects through engineering analysis and project-based assignments.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Current undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Expected graduation date between December 2027 and May 2029.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to interpret and analyze technical information and data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with engineering software or data analysis tools is a plus.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
• Interest in energy, manufacturing, industrial processes, or LNG operations.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments.
• Must be able to wear all necessary PPE equipment.
• Ability to drive to other Company work locations as required.
• Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility.
• Physically capable of traveling to a designated muster point during emergency situations.
• Ability to stand and/or sit continuously and perform job functions for a full shift.
• Full mechanical motion and usage of all extremities required.
• Physically able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle, and lift items weighing up to 20 lbs. without assistance.
• Visual acuity corrected to perform job functions, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to clearly communicate with others via radio, phone, and verbal methods.
• May be required to enter confined spaces.
• May be required to work at elevated heights and access elevated structures without assistance.

Internship Program Details

• This internship is based in Brownsville, Texas on an active jobsite.
• Expected duration: approximately 10 weeks during Summer 2027.
• Interns will have opportunities to participate in executive speaker sessions, networking events, professional development activities, site exposure opportunities, and collaborative projects.

Work Environment

• Operates in a complex construction environment.
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor weather conditions, including hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and electrical circuits.
• Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch level sufficient to cause marked distraction.
• Routinely uses standard office and field communications equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers w/scanner and fax, and radios.