Your mission
Join the future of wind energy
Kitepower is on a mission to contribute to a more sustainable world by flying kites that generate electricity. Founded as a spin-out of Delft University of Technology, we are developing our first commercial system to power farms, construction sites and communities with renewable airborne wind energy.
We believe innovation, collaboration, and purpose can change the world. That’s why we’re building a team of passionate people who want to make a real impact. We keep our structure flat and our culture open. We believe great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. When you join Kitepower, you help bring clean energy to communities and industries across the planet.
Your profile
We are looking for an intern to join our hardware team in Delft. The hardware team is responsible for designing, developing and maintaining all physical components of our systems, for example the Kite Control Unit (KCU), kites and groundstation. You will have a challenging internship in renewable energy to apply your academic knowledge and gain valuable working experience.
What you will be doing
The main project that you will be working on is a new tether selection. Our current tether solution is ready for an upgrade. You will take the lead in researching, comparing, and selecting a new tether concept that fits the evolving requirements of Kitepower’s systems. This involves studying the latest materials and technologies, engaging directly with manufacturers, and building a structured recommendation for the next-generation tether.
As we diversify and scale our winch systems for different applications, your work will ensure that each system has a properly matched tether in terms of strength, weight, cost, and durability.
Your responsibilities will primarily involve in-depth research and active engagement with various manufacturers. You will be tasked with:
Updating Our Knowledge Base: Systematically gather and analyze information on current tether materials, designs, manufacturing processes, and performance specifications. This will involve exploring industry publications, academic research, and manufacturer datasheets.
Contacting Manufacturers: Establish direct communication with leading tether manufacturers to understand their product offerings, customisation capabilities, lead times, and pricing. You will be instrumental in building a network of potential suppliers.
Developing a Robust Recommendation: Based on your research and manufacturer interactions, you will be expected to formulate a well-reasoned and data-backed recommendation for new tether solutions. This recommendation will need to consider various factors such as material strength, durability, weight, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for different environmental conditions.
This project is particularly critical as we are actively diversifying and scaling our winch systems to cater to a broader range of specific applications and solutions. To achieve this, a methodical and data-driven approach to selecting the appropriate tether for each unique system is absolutely essential. Your contribution will directly inform these crucial decisions, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and efficiency across our expanding product portfolio.
Next to that we can use your help for:
Identify and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical and mechatronic issues in the current designs to improve system performance and reliability.
Conduct thorough testing and validation of mechatronic and electronic components to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
Aid in the assembly, benchmarking and integrating new or existing system components to ensure flight readiness.
About you
You ideally have the following qualities:
Studies in technical discipline (Mechanical, Aerospace, Physics. Electrical, etc.)
Knowledge of material science and polymers
Enjoy conducting in-depth research
Multidisciplinary curiosity, good practical technical understanding
Knowledge of relevant safety standards and regulations for electrical and mechatronic systems.
Good communication and organization skills
Fluent written and spoken English
Good observation skills and ability to give reliable feedback
And if you have more talents to offer… Let us know!
Why us?
At Kitepower, we believe that changing the world should be an exciting and rewarding journey. We invest in our team members' growth and well-being, offering a package that includes:
An internship allowance.
The freedom of taking responsibility and ownership of your own projects within a bigger development.
Valuable working experience in a leading renewable energy start-up
A dynamic culture: a flat and collaborative work environment where your ideas are valued and your voice is heard.
A great team atmosphere in a fast-growing start-up.
Professional growth: continuous learning opportunities in a multidisciplinary field that blends aerospace, mechatronics, power systems and software.
Join us.
If you want to help shape the future of renewable energy, challenge yourself with cutting-edge technology, and make a real impact on the world, Kitepower is the place to be.
About us
