Spring 2027 Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science Co-Op

About Fourth Power
Fourth Power is commercializing a breakthrough energy storage system that stores electricity as extreme heat in carbon blocks and converts it back to power in seconds using thermophotovoltaic cells. The result is clean, dispatchable capacity with lower lifetime costs than building a new fossil-fueled plant.

We’re backed by leading climate tech investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures and DCVC, and we operate first-of-a-kind demonstration systems in Bedford and Middleton, Massachusetts.

Our culture is built on teamwork, continuous innovation grounded in first principles, and relentlessness in tackling hard problems. We’re looking for skilled, motivated people who share our passion for reliable, affordable, clean energy.

About the Program
Our engineering intern and co-op program runs in three sessions each year. Each session, we hire up to three students to work alongside our engineers and technicians on hardware. Our co-ops / internship positions are full-time. This is a fixed-term program and does not include a commitment of full-time employment after the session ends. This application is for Spring 2027 Co-Ops (January - May/June).

What You’ll Do

• Contribute hands-on to the testing and optimization of key components in our high-temperature energy storage system

• Help design, build, and maintain the mechanical test apparatus we use to evaluate component and subsystem performance

• Set up instrumentation and data acquisition, run experiments, and analyze the results

• Document test procedures and findings, and present results to the engineering team

• Follow lab safety protocols in a high-temperature test environment

Who We’re Looking For
Eligibility

• Undergraduate students in mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related field who will have completed at least their sophomore year before the session starts. Master’s students are also welcome to apply.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the session.

Required

• Completed coursework in mechanics of materials (strength of materials), materials science, thermodynamics, and an instrumentation and measurement lab

• Basic CAD experience (SolidWorks or similar)

• Comfort working hands-on in a lab or shop environment

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

• Clear communication with fellow engineers and technicians

Preferred

• Coursework in heat transfer

• Experience with LabVIEW or other data acquisition software

• Exposure to simulation tools (e.g., Ansys)

• Experience using Python, MATLAB, or Excel for data analysis

Location & Logistics
This role is on-site at our Bedford and Middleton facilities. Lab work may involve lifting up to 40 lbs, standing for extended periods, and wearing required PPE.

Fourth Power is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact [email protected].