About Serenity Power
Serenity Power is developing compact solid oxide fuel cell systems for on-site power. Our work brings together cell materials, stack design, fuel handling and controls, with prototype development and planned field testing in Alberta.
We are a small, hands-on team. Every team member completes safety orientation and role-specific training before working in the lab or shop.
The Role
We are looking for a Fabrication & Materials R&D co-op student who wants to bridge materials science and physical hardware. You will help turn fuel cell materials into working cells and stacks: processing materials, building and testing cells and stack assemblies, and making the custom fixtures and tooling that let us do it repeatedly.
You will be paired with a Serenity engineer or scientist who acts as your mentor and day-to-day supervisor, and you will work as a full member of the R&D team. Training on our specialized equipment, machining tools and experimental techniques is provided. An 8- to 16-month term gives you time to own a defined piece of work and see it through to results the team will use.
Key Responsibilities
Cell & Stack Fabrication
- Fabricate SOFC cells and components, and assemble, test and tear down stack assemblies as designs move from bench scale toward prototype
- Process materials for seals, interconnects, coatings and current collectors, and help develop and document repeatable manufacturing steps
- Operate high-temperature furnaces for sintering, sealing and conditioning, following set programs and safety procedures
Tooling, Fixtures & Prototyping
- Design and build custom test fixtures, jigs and prototype components using machining (milling, turning), 3D printing and precision cutting
- Help maintain and improve fabrication equipment and workspaces
Testing & Analysis
- Plan and run structured experiments, including literature reviews to guide them
- Run cell and stack performance tests and post-test analysis, including thermal, structural and surface characterization
- Analyze physical and chemical data, prepare figures and write clear technical reports
Safety & Documentation
- Complete Serenity's safety orientation and the training required for the lab and shop areas you work in, and follow SOPs, hazard assessments and PPE requirements
- Keep complete, organized lab notebooks, build records and test data
- Help write and update standard operating procedures, track inventory, and report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly
Collaboration & Communication
- Attend R&D meetings and report clearly on your progress, results and problems
- Handle confidential information responsibly, and raise new ideas or potential inventions with your mentor so Serenity's IP is protected
- Present your work to the technical team at the end of your term
Qualifications
Required
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in Materials, Chemical, Mechanical or Nanotechnology Engineering, Chemistry or a closely related field, and eligible for a co-op work term through your institution
- Coursework in at least some of: materials science, inorganic and surface chemistry, electrochemistry, reaction kinetics, heat and mass transfer, solid mechanics
- Comfortable with hands-on lab and shop work, and keen to learn new equipment and techniques
- Working proficiency with Excel or Python for data analysis
- Available for an 8-, 12- or 16-month term
Nice to Have
- Previous co-op, research or lab experience in materials processing, ceramics, batteries, fuel cells or electrolyzers
- Machining (mill, lathe), 3D printing or precision cutting experience
- CAD experience (SolidWorks, Fusion 360 or similar)
- Characterization experience such as XRD, SEM or TGA/DSC
- Interest in clean energy and decarbonizing off-grid and industrial power
What We Offer
- Competitive co-op compensation
- One-to-one mentorship from a Serenity engineer or scientist
- Hands-on experience building first-of-a-kind fuel cell hardware, from lab bench to prototype
- A small, mission-driven team where your work is seen and used
- A chance to make a measurable impact on clean, reliable power
Great candidates don't always check every box. If you are excited about this role and Serenity's mission, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Submit your resume, a short cover letter and your transcript to contact@serenitypower.ca. In your cover letter, tell us about a hands-on project (academic, personal or professional) you are proud of.
Serenity Power is an equal opportunity employer committed to accommodating candidates throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know of any accommodation needs.