Oxford Sigma
Summer Internship - HYDROGEN SYSTEM DESIGN AND SPECIFICATION
Hydrogen technologies play a central role in Oxford Sigma’s materials strategy, supporting advances in fusion-relevant systems including neutron shielding hydrides, tritium containment, and hydrogen storage materials for next generation reactors. This 8-week internship project focuses on defining the component requirements for two key hydrogen research systems: a hydriding fabrication rig used to produce bulk metal hydrides, and a hydrogen permeation test setup used to evaluate coated substrates.
The intern will build on internal expertise, Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and literature to develop detailed procurement lists covering technical specifications, operating ranges, safety considerations, suppliers, and estimated costs. The outputs of this project will directly contribute to raising the technology readiness levels (TRLs) of hydrogen-related research infrastructure within the company.
Student Suitability
Suitable for students studying materials science/engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering and nuclear engineering with an interest in hydrogen systems engineering, experimental design and fusion energy technologies
Student Responsibilities
The intern will be embedded within Oxford Sigma’s multidisciplinary Materials team, and in close collaboration with the Design and Analysis team will:
Review project background materials, relevant publications, and internal P&IDs for hydrogen systems.
Research system functions and identify commercially available components, including specialist items such as high‑temperature hydrogen vessels, pressure measurement and flow‑control systems.
Compile organised procurement lists detailing specifications, suppliers, pricing, lead times, and safety requirements.
Develop and maintain a simple project plan (e.g., Gantt chart) to track progress throughout the internship.
Produce a short final report and present procurement findings to the wider Oxford Sigma team.
Learning and development opportunities
The internship will provide exposure to:
Hands‑on exposure to hydrogen systems used in fusion materials R&D, including hydriding rigs and permeation testing setups.
Experience conducting technical procurement research for advanced hydrogen‑based equipment.
Insight into materials challenges relevant to fusion and hydrogen engineering.
Understanding how component selection influences safety, system design, and technology readiness levels (TRLs).
This is an in-person role based at our HQ's in Summertown, Oxford with some attendance at our lab in Culham when necessary.
This internship is in collaboration with UKAEA’s Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) programme, which supports the UK Fusion Energy Strategy’s objective to grow the skills and talent pipeline required for fusion commercialisation. This internship position at Oxford Sigma is part of the Summer Internship Scheme which enables students to undertake paid placements within host organisations related to the fusion industry.
EligibilityThe candidate must have the right to work in the UK
The candidate must be an Undergraduate, Postgraduate or PhD student who is still classified by their university as a student at time of internship start.
Salary
£25,931 FTE (pro-rata)
Apply
We’d love to understand more about you, and why you want to get involved in fusion.
Submit your CV and covering letter (both in PDF format) below
Applications will be reviewed fortnightly, until all our spaces are filled, or until 12:00 20th April 2026 – whichever comes first. This is one of four summer Internship opportunities at Oxford Sigma in 2026, across three projects
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