About the Job

🎯 Materials Engineering Intern

🌍 London, N4

🏛️ 5 days in our office

This internship is perfect for current students or recent graduates interested in material science, engineering, manufacturing and sustainability. Apply now to be part of our mission at Shellworks!

About Shellworks

Developed for a throwaway culture, plastics have caused significant pollution to our natural environments with 90% of all plastics ever created never being recycled. More so, recent studies have identified that plastics impact goes beyond pollution to chemicals and micro-plastics that impact human and environmental health.

We believe there must be a better way and our first innovation Vivomer does just that, if nature made a plastic this would be it. Vivomer, a polymer made by microorganisms, behaves just like plastic in use, but degrades upon disposal in any natural environment. Developed through cutting-edge material science, mechanical engineering, design, and operations, Vivomer represents a groundbreaking step towards a pollution-free future.

The nature of our work is frequently described as impossible, but if like us, you’re driven by the challenge to prove that there is a better way to do things, join us. You will play a critical role in developing the future of materials, how products are created and directly contribute to reducing plastic pollution.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a proactive, enthusiastic and motivated Materials Scientist or Engineer to help design and the future of sustainable materials and products. In this role, you'll work alongside a cross-functional team of experts in manufacturing, material science, and design to develop plastic-free solutions that replace single-use plastics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support new material development and continuous improvement ideation, validation and prototyping.
• Lead an in-house characterisation project, analysing the physical properties of the new and the backlog of Shellworks materials.
• Learn and operate production-grade polymer processing equipment to explore new material and product characteristics.
• Develop and document best practices and build a library of biomaterials.
  

Our Ideal Candidate

• Studying for or recently graduated from a Materials Science, Engineering or Chemistry degree with a (projected) first or upper second class result (>3.7 GPA).
• Proactive and self-motivated with enthusiasm to learn and immerse themselves in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Hands-on approach to analytical testing and engineering, evidenced with lab or project work.
• Strong technical fundamentals with a detailed, analytical mindset and creative approach to problem solving.
• Proven interest in materials, science and sustainability.
  

Our Benefits

🌴 21 days holiday + birthday off + 27-31st December, in addition to all statutory and public holidays (pro-rata for the duration of the fixed term contract).
🎉 Regular social events and fully stocked office kitchen
🐚 Part of a tightly knit team aiming to make a meaningful social impact.

Join Our Mission

Becoming a part of Shellworks means being part of a team that’s passionate about sustainability and innovation. Our world-class team includes experts in materials science and visionary entrepreneurs dedicated to creating a better future. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible.

Are you ready to help us lead the way in sustainable materials? Apply now and be part of something truly impactful.