Company Description: Paragon is a leader in ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support Systems) and ATCS (Active Thermal Control Systems) for crewed and uncrewed space vehicles. The company was founded 32 years ago in Tucson, AZ. We have 150 employees distributed between 3 sites; Tucson (headquarters), Houston, TX and Denver, CO. We primarily design and manufacture complex, highly reliable systems and invent new technologies for astronaut survival and well-being in space. We are also a manufacturer of space radiators to enable cooling of vehicles.
Primary Responsibilities/ Focus Areas of Internship: The intern will be in charge of continuing the development of an engineering model to predict the absorption of trace chemical contaminants (such as ammonia and methane that might be present inside a spacecraft cabin air) by commercial absorbing media. The model is being developed in the Matlab environment. The model will be based on experimental data that Paragon has been collecting in its R&D lab the past 2 years.
Key Tasks/Projects the Intern may be involved with: As explained above, we would like the intern to code in the Matlab environment, under the guidance and supervision of a senior engineer. The model will help Paragon (and the industry as a whole) to develop more efficient and effective filtration systems to maintain the air in a spacecraft free of harmful contaminants, an important aspect of long-duration space travel (to Mars for example) or long-duration mission (extended stay in orbital space stations). The intern will learn a great deal about air quality in sealed environments, physical absorption, astronaut health, modeling techniques for spacecraft design. We also anticipate that this work will result in a publication and possible presentation at an industry conference in summer 2027.
Required Skills & Level:
- Matlab - Intermediate
- A basic understanding of absorption processes.
- Majoring in: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Physics
- Junior or Senior in credit hours preferred with advanced coursework completed.
- Great attitude, willingness to learn and work alongside seasoned engineers in the field.
Work Location & Hours: Mode is flexible. Paragon offices in Tucson, if desired / convenient. In-person not required, but welcome. Intern must coordinate hours with primary mentor, who will generally work 9am-5pm.