About this role
It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
NextDecade Internship Program
At NextDecade, we are building the future of energy through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. Our internship program provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful work that supports one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in North America.
The Process & Production Chemical Engineering Internship Program is designed for motivated students seeking to apply their technical knowledge in a real-world industrial setting. Interns will gain exposure to liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations, process engineering, production systems, and large-scale energy infrastructure while working alongside experienced professionals.
Interns may be assigned to support a variety of technical teams based on business needs and individual interests. Throughout the summer, interns will collaborate with engineers and subject matter experts, participate in professional development opportunities, interact with company leaders, and gain valuable insight into the development, commissioning, and operation of world-class LNG facilities.
Examples of Potential Internship Experiences
The specific responsibilities and projects assigned to interns will vary each year based on business priorities. Examples of projects previous interns have supported include:
Process Engineering
- Assisting with process performance monitoring and data analysis.
- Supporting process optimization initiatives focused on safety, reliability, and efficiency.
- Reviewing process trends and identifying opportunities for operational improvement.
- Assisting with engineering calculations, process simulations, and technical studies.
- Supporting development and updates of process documentation, procedures, and operating guidelines.
Production & Operations Support
- Analyzing plant and operational data to support decision-making.
- Assisting with troubleshooting and root-cause investigations.
- Supporting process safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Participating in cross-functional projects involving operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
- Developing reports, dashboards, and tools to improve operational visibility and performance.
Technical & Strategic Projects
- Conducting research on emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices.
- Supporting environmental, sustainability, and emissions-related initiatives.
- Assisting with process hazard reviews, risk assessments, or engineering studies.
- Creating presentations and recommendations for technical and business stakeholders.
- Supporting large-scale infrastructure and energy projects through engineering analysis and project-based assignments.
Please note that project assignments vary from year to year and are intended to provide examples of the types of work interns may experience. Placement on a specific team is not guaranteed.
What We're Looking For
- Current undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering .
- Expected graduation date between December 2027 and May 2029 .
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to interpret and analyze technical information and data.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with engineering software or data analysis tools is a plus.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
- Interest in energy, manufacturing, industrial processes, or LNG operations.
- Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments.
What You'll Gain
- Meaningful, project-based engineering experience supporting a growing energy company.
- Exposure to LNG production, process engineering, and large-scale energy infrastructure projects.
- Opportunities to network with professionals across engineering, operations, and other business functions.
- Participation in professional development, learning sessions, and internship program activities.
- Exposure to real-world engineering challenges and industry best practices.
- Insight into career opportunities within the energy industry.
Internship Program
This internship is based in Brownsville, Texas on an active jobsite and is expected to run for approximately 10 weeks during Summer 2027 .
At NextDecade, we strive to provide interns with a meaningful experience that extends beyond day-to-day responsibilities. Interns will have opportunities to participate in executive speaker sessions, networking events, professional development activities, site exposure opportunities, and collaborative projects designed to support both personal and professional growth.
Interns are encouraged to contribute ideas, ask questions, and build relationships across the organization while gaining valuable industry experience. Our goal is for interns to leave with a stronger technical foundation, a broader understanding of the energy industry, and meaningful connections that support their future career development.
Job Site Work Environment
· Must be able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions.
· Operates in a complex construction environment.
· Exposure to indoor and outdoor weather conditions.
· Not necessarily protected from weather and temperature changes. Possible exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions.
· Exposure to moving mechanical parts and electrical circuits.
· Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch level sufficient to cause marked distraction.
· Routinely uses standard office and field communications equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers w/scanner and fax, and radios.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with ADA-recognized disabilities to perform the essential functions for the job.
· Ability to drive to other Company work locations as required.
· Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility, including being physically capable of traveling to a designed muster point during emergency situations.
· Stand and/or sit continuously and perform job functions for a full shift.
· The incumbent is required to have fully mechanical motion and usage of all extremities.
· Physically able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle, and lift items weighing up to 20 lbs. without assistance.
· Visual acuity corrected to perform job functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
· Must be able to clearly communicate with others via radio, phone, and verbal methods.
· May be required to enter confined spaces.
· May be required to work at elevated heights and access elevated structures without assistance.
If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@next-decade.com.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
*In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
NEXTDECADE VALUES
· Safety – We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us.
· Integrity – We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do.
· Honesty – We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions.
· Respect – We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work.
· Transparency – Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders.
· Diversity – We value diversity of experiences and thoughts. It takes people with different strengths and backgrounds to make our company succeed.
NextDecade provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.