Berkeley, CA (on-site) | Part-Time (8-12 hrs/week) | Fall 2026
About PeraWatt
PeraWatt is solving the energy efficiency bottleneck for AI data centers, electric vehicles, and renewable energy power systems by commercializing a novel magnetic material that delivers 10x the efficiency of incumbents – without relying on critical minerals or rare earths.
We’re a venture-backed deeptech startup with a technology developed at a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory and supported by leading cleantech and deeptech investors. The markets we’re targeting are projected to exceed $100B in the next decade, and the incumbent materials we’re competing with haven’t fundamentally changed in 40 years. This is a ground-floor opportunity at a company built to change that.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for hands-on lab interns to work directly with PeraWatt’s technical and founding team on the fabrication and characterization of soft magnetic powder cores. You’ll fabricate samples, run characterization measurements, and help optimize the processes that turn our novel materials into testable, customer-ready components. If you want to see how a materials science breakthrough goes from lab bench to commercial product, this is that opportunity.
In addition, you’ll be able to work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, gaining experience with real materials development in a professional research environment.
What You’ll Do
- Fabrication of soft magnetic powder cores, including powder preparation, compaction, and post-processing steps
- Characterization and testing using tools such as impedance analyzers, vibrating sample magnetometers (VSM), vector network analyzers (VNA), and particle size analyzers
- Setting and optimizing standard operating procedures for each step of the fabrication process
- Organizing, recording, and processing experimental data to support materials development and customer-facing documentation
- Supporting the technical team with sample preparation, equipment maintenance, and lab organization as needed
Who You Are
- Currently enrolled at UC Berkeley, pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Exceptional undergraduates will also be considered.
- Comfortable working in a lab environment and handling materials, equipment, and repetitive experimental procedures with care and precision
- Familiar with, or eager to learn, materials characterization techniques (scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, or similar)
- Detail-oriented with strong data recording and organizational habits
- Self-directed and reliable – you’ll receive guidance and training, but you’ll need to show up consistently and own your work
- Genuinely interested in energy, advanced materials, or how lab science becomes a real product
Internship Details
- Duration: Fall 2026 (approximately 16 weeks, aligned with UC Berkeley’s fall semester; flexible start/end dates)
- Hours: Part-time, approximately 8-12 hours per week (flexible scheduling around coursework). Must be available in-person for at least two 3-hour blocks of time per week
- Location: On-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
- Compensation: Varies by role and level of study; some positions may be paid hourly.
To apply: Send your resume and cover letter to careers@perawatt.com