Internship Mechatronics

**The project** Hydromea is partnering with Real Ice, a UK-based climate research company funded by ARIA (Advanced Research \+ Invention Agency, UK), to develop a high-performance pump for Arctic sea ice restoration. About Real Ice's approach: autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) pump seawater from beneath the sea ice onto its surface, artificially thickening the ice layer. Thicker ice is brighter, it reflects more light back to space, increasing Earth's albedo. Real Ice has validated the core physics with field work in the past years. The focus is now shifting to scalability and the pump is a key element. Even small gains in efficiency and reliability have an outsized impact at scale. This is where the scope of this project arises. The candidate will work at Hydromea's Lausanne facility to adapt the DISKDRIVE thruster into an optimised pump matched to Arctic field conditions (target: 50–100 m³/h, 50 cm head). The work combines simulation and modelling with hands-on prototype development and experimental testing, bridging the gap between theory and practice in a real engineering context. **Responsibilities** ● Characterising the performance of current pump prototypes through experimental testing and data analysis ● Identifying optimisation opportunities and iterating on the design ● Supporting or leading the development of a test bench adapted to the project's needs ● Using simulation to understand the gap between predicted and measured performance ● Exploring alternative configurations as a secondary workstream, contributing to Hydromea's broader product knowledge ● Engaging with Real Ice's engineering team to understand field requirements and communicate results **What we are looking for** We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Research shows that some candidates apply only when they meet every requirement listed; we encourage you to apply if the role excites you and you meet most of the criteria below. *Education and experience* ● Studying towards a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field ● Understanding of fluid dynamic ● Experience with or strong interest in prototyping, fabrication, and experimental test work *Technical skills* ● CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or equivalent) ● CFD or hydraulic simulation tools ● Knowledge in electronics (arduino, sensors, breadboard, soldering) ● Prototyping experience (soldering, 3D printing, general workshop tools) ● Knowledge in C\+\+ or MicroPython *How you work* ● Organised and self-directed: able to structure your own work in an open-ended project ● Clear communicator: you will work across two engineering teams and interface directly with the end customer ● Curious and pragmatic: ready to navigate uncertainty and make things work in practice Hydromea x Real Ice - Internship description *Others* ● Fluency in English; French is a plus. ● Must be based in vicinity to Lausanne (this is an on-site job) or ready to move *What you get* ● A real engineering challenge with direct impact. Your work feeds into a deployed climate technology ● Hands-on access to Hydromea's facilities, hardware, and expertise in underwater systems ● Direct collaboration with both Hydromea and Real Ice's engineering teams ● Exposure to the full development cycle: simulation, prototyping, testing, and field application ● Potential opportunity to join tests in Arctic region