Job Description

About Sperra

Sperra is a cleantech startup that uses 3D concrete printing to reduce the cost of renewable energy and create domestic jobs. We develop cutting-edge, award-winning products for floating solar, offshore wind, wave energy projects, and subsea energy storage. Our R&D is supported by funding agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy, California Energy Commission, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, National Science Foundation, and other domestic and international grant agencies.

Are you passionate about structural design and renewable energy construction? Sperra is seeking a talented and motivated structural engineering student for a paid summer internship position. This is a rolling internship opportunity. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience working with our team of professional structural engineers.

Success in this position will be measured primarily through:

• On-time and quality execution of structural design and analysis tasks for R&D projects
• Capability to design and develop new structural systems and products
• Reporting progress and outcomes in technical reports for company and external stakeholders

Who You Are:

• Currently enrolled in an ABET-accredited civil or structural engineering degree graduate program
• Looking forward to tackling new challenges in an entrepreneurial environment
• An adaptive problem solver, leader, and strong communicator
• High attention to detail, efficient, organized, reliable, and professional
• Collaborative, inclusive, treats others with respect, and actively values diverse perspectives

What You Will Do:

The Structural Engineering Intern will contribute to Sperra's success by assisting structural engineers with calculations, modeling, drafting, and other tasks. This person will help expand Sperra's structural engineering operations, execute engineering tasks in support of grant funded R&D projects, and strategize on new product designs and development.

• Design Sperra's 3D printed concrete products including anchors for marine renewable energy and a marine pumped hydro energy storage technology.
• Perform advanced structural analyses.
• Provide strategic input on product design, manufacturing, and testing of prototypes.
• Interface with 3D printing R&D team to incorporate learnings from printing trials into designs.
• Write technical reports and prepare presentations for internal use and for clients.
• Communicate findings at academic/industry conferences and meetings.
• Contribute to ideation and concept design of new renewable energy infrastructure products.

What You Will Get:

Sperra is growing startup at the intersection between three booming and impactful industries: renewable energy, energy storage, and 3D concrete printing. By joining the team, you will use your expertise in structural engineering in a new creative frontier, solving crucial engineering challenges to accelerate the energy transition and mitigate climate change.

• 12-week full-time temporary position from June - August with competitive pay based on academic level
• Flexibility to work remotely with an opportunity to work at Sperra's office in AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles or New York Facility
• Mentorship and training under a Professional Engineer

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

Essential:

• Working towards the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Professional Engineering (PE) certification is a plus
• Knowledge and experience in the design and analysis of reinforced concrete structures
• Experience in advanced structural analysis software, e.g., Abaqus and SAP2000
• Ability to prioritize tasks, organize work, and execute tasks independently or with other teams.
• Creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to a wide variety of non-building structures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, oral, and written communication

Preferred:

Knowledge or experience in :

• Offshore structural analysis and design
• Marine and pre-stressed concrete design and seismic design experience
• Geotechnical design of foundations, piles, and anchors.
• Laboratory structural testing of reinforced concrete structures
• Design, analysis, and testing of 3D concrete printed structures