Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern in CFD Development (100%)

at Climeworks

🏢 About Climeworks

Climeworks is unique as the world's first commercial Direct Air Capture (DAC) company, operating the only two DAC plants in Iceland and pioneering carbon removal technology with over 15 years of R&D. Working here means contributing directly to scalable climate solutions at a company that combines cutting-edge engineering with a clear mission to accelerate the global transition to net zero.

About This Role

This CFD Development Intern will build and analyze computational fluid dynamics models to optimize fluid and heat flows in Climeworks' carbon capture systems, directly impacting the efficiency and scalability of next-generation DAC technology. You'll work on real-world engineering challenges that bridge simulation with physical plant data to improve carbon removal processes.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves developing CFD models for specific DAC components, running simulations to analyze fluid behavior and heat transfer, then comparing results with operational data from Climeworks' plants. You'll collaborate with the engineering team via virtual meetings to refine models and document findings that inform design improvements for more efficient carbon capture.

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🎯 Who Climeworks Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on experience with CFD software (like ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or COMSOL) and can discuss specific projects involving fluid flow or heat transfer analysis
  • Demonstrates understanding of multiphysics simulations relevant to carbon capture (e.g., adsorption, reactor design, or porous media flows)
  • Shows passion for climate tech through coursework, projects, or previous internships focused on sustainability or clean energy
  • Can articulate how their technical skills apply to optimizing industrial-scale processes, not just academic exercises

📝 Tips for Applying to Climeworks

1

Highlight any CFD projects involving adsorption, reactor design, or heat exchanger optimization—these directly relate to DAC technology

2

Mention experience with data collection from physical systems and how you've validated simulation results with experimental data

3

Reference Climeworks' specific DAC plants in Iceland and explain how your skills could improve their carbon capture efficiency

4

Include a portfolio link or attach 1-2 examples of CFD visualizations/analysis from past academic or professional work

5

Tailor your resume to show progression in computational methods courses and any relevant software certifications

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain why you're specifically interested in applying CFD to carbon removal rather than other industries", 'Describe a past project where your analysis led to a measurable improvement in system performance', "Connect your skills to Climeworks' mission—show you understand how CFD optimization impacts DAC scalability", 'Mention any experience with remote collaboration tools, as this is a fully remote position']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Climeworks' Orca and Mammoth plants in Iceland—understand their basic DAC process flow and where CFD could optimize it
  • → Research the company's partnerships (like with Carbfix) to understand the full carbon storage pipeline
  • → Review Climeworks' technical publications or patents related to adsorption technology or reactor design
  • → Understand the difference between Climeworks' engineered approach and nature-based carbon removal solutions

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a CFD project where you had to balance accuracy with computational efficiency
2 How would you approach modeling the fluid dynamics in a packed-bed adsorption reactor for CO2 capture?
3 What CFD validation methods have you used to ensure your simulations match real-world conditions?
4 How do you stay current with advancements in CFD software and multiphysics modeling techniques?
5 Describe how you'd collaborate with mechanical engineers and plant operators to improve DAC system design
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic CFD experience without connecting it to carbon capture or industrial process optimization
  • Failing to demonstrate how remote work experience or self-discipline suits a 100% remote contract role
  • Overemphasizing academic theory without showing practical application of simulations to real engineering problems

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Climeworks!

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