Control Systems Engineering Intern

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP

SeaO₂ is seeking a Control Systems Engineering Intern to support the development and optimization of control algorithms for our cutting-edge carbon capture systems. This internship is ideal for a technically advanced bachelor’s or master’s student who wants to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and is passionate about applying control engineering to real-world, sustainable technologies.

You will join a professional, interdisciplinary team of engineers and researchers working on the automation and stabilization of dynamic systems in sustainable technologies. This role offers the opportunity to design, simulate, and implement advanced control solutions for modular and scalable carbon capture units deployed in real environments.

During the internship, you will work on a pre-defined internship assignment. The assignment contains technical objectives as well as learning & development objectives. Before the start of the internship, the assignment is written by the company supervisor and reviewed and approved by the university supervisor.

Currently, such technologies do not exist. At SeaO₂ we aim to change that. Currently, we are performing R&D on our prototype at the Afsluitdijk in the Netherlands to increase the process efficiency and reduce its total energy consumption. Based on our findings, we are designing and building our pilot with a 250 tCO2/yr removal capacity in the coming year.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and evaluate control algorithms (e.g., adaptive PID, robust control, MIMO systems) for complex dynamic systems.

• Extract and analyze system parameters through data acquisition and modeling techniques.

• Implement and test control strategies using simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or Python-based frameworks.

• Support the integration of simulation results into physical systems and contribute to the tuning and validation of real-time controllers.

• Collaborate with the broader engineering team to optimize system stability, efficiency, and response under real-world conditions.

• Document findings, models, and testing procedures in a structured, reproducible format for internal and external review.

• Bonus: Knowledge of industrial simulation tools such as Factory I/O or equivalent.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a university program (HBO, WO) in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.

• Solid academic foundation in control theory, including robust and adaptive PID control, MIMO systems, and advanced control system design.

• Practical experience with simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python control libraries) and familiarity with system identification or parameter estimation techniques.

• Eagerness to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions with real-life constraints and operational challenges.

• Able to commute to our Amsterdam office and willing to visit our Afsluitdijk pilot site weekly, depending on project needs. Several options are available for commuting, but it is also a bonus that the candidate has a driving license.

• Strong interest in sustainable technology, automation, and the role of control systems in decarbonization.

• Fluent in English; proficiency in Dutch is a plus.

• Self-driven, analytical, and collaborative mindset, with a passion for experimentation and learning in a professional R&D environment.

Internship Details

• Location: Amsterdam, Afsluitdijk, home office

• Work Mode: This internship will be a hybrid role, combining online and in-person work depending on the project requirements at each stage of development.

• Start Date: Q4 2025.

• Duration: minimum of 6 months.

• Languages: Candidates should speak English fluently; proficiency in Dutch is a plus.

• Compensation: €400 per month, plus reimbursement for commuting expenses.

• Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by October 1st.

• Application Process: Candidates are required to submit their CV and a motivation letter. Relevant certifications will be considered a significant advantage.