Intern High Pressure Water Jets Research

Are you passionate about technology and the environment? Our start-up in the green tech industry (heat pumps) is seeking enthusiastic individuals eager to gain hands-on experience and make a difference in the world of sustainable technology.

Problem statement:

Design Criteria and Minimum Requirements for Material Transport by High Pressure Water Jets

The novel drilling method involves high pressure jets for particle removal, and transport of detached. At the present time, minimum physical and geometric requirements for reliable transport of detached particles is not well defined. Parameters such as nozzle geometry, jet velocity, pressure distribution, and dimensionless flow characteristics likely determine whether particles are successfully transported upward. This project aims to establish design principles and minimum requirements for jets, combining fluid mechanics theory, scaling analysis, and simplified modeling with hands-on experimental work.

During the research project, the intern will have the freedom to design and build tailored experimental setups to investigate the key research questions both in the laboratory and at external field sites. The intern will be supported by the GEHECO team and will have access to 3D printers, a fully equipped workshop, and a wide range of tools and materials to rapidly design, build, and test experimental concepts. Approaches and results are also expected to be discussed and recorded.

Goals

• Identifying the dominant flow mechanisms responsible for upward particle transport
• Defining dimensionless criteria that determine when stable upward transport occurs
• Investigating how nozzle geometry (internal/external) and flow conditions influence jet formation and material transport
• Establishing minimum design requirements for effective jets
• Creating a theoretical model linking nozzle design,expected jet behavior, and particle transport

What you bring:

• You are a pragmatic and enthusiastic individual pursuing a MSc studies in the field of Mechanical Engineering, or similar degree.
• You are in your 3^rd or 4^th year, with at least an average grading of 8 (out of 10).
• Interest in Experimental Fluid Mechanics
• Knowledge and understanding of Fluid Dynamics, Turbulence and Multiphase Flows
• Passion for making things work. Your practical talent to create a real, working prototype is what counts most in this assignment. You have a passion for making stuff work. Being able to analyze your work and come up with rapid solutions to improve it.
• Pragmatism; GEHECO needs a pragmatic approach from all team members. A sense to distinguish between relevant and non-relevant issues is important to move forward quickly .
• Skills; You have to have knowledge of relevant software for this task.
• Enthusiasm; all team members are ready to step in when capacity is needed to make sure that all jobs are done at the end of the day, for example helping out during field tests
• You are legally allowed to work in the Netherlands (EU resident or work permit)

Why Choose GEHECO:

• Gain valuable hands-on experience in a start-up environment dedicated to sustainable tech solutions.
• Mentorship from seasoned professionals (both 25 years working experience).
• Being part of a start-up community (Yes!Delft) with plenty networking opportunities and exposure to innovative technology.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge solutions in a super innovative and pragmatic setting.
• Internship compensation is available.
• Contribute to solutions that make a real difference in sustainability and the environment.

About GEHECO

GEHECO is a Delft-based tech startup located at the YES!Delft incubator, focused on accelerating the transition to sustainable heating solutions. The company develops innovative technologies that simplify and reduce the cost of installing the wells of ground-source (water-water) heat pumps. By creating compact and novel drilling / installation methods, GEHECO aims to make geothermal heating accessible to a wider range of buildings where traditional drilling techniques are impractical. GEHECO likes to actively contribute to the energy transition by helping our future clients in efficiently CO2 neutral heat their houses.

Practical

Location: Delft (Yes!Delft building)

Duration: June 2026 to Sep/Oct 2026 (min 5 months), we can be flexible

Hours: full time

If you’re passionate about technology and excited about our mission to actively contribute to the energy transition by helping our future clients in CO2 neutral heating of their homes, apply for the technical intern at GEHECO. Send your resume or personal Linkedin-url and a few sentences explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this opportunity to onno@geheco.com.

Join us in our mission to develop innovative solutions that pave the way for a more sustainable future. Your skills and ideas can play a vital role in shaping the world of green technology.

Are you becoming curious and enthusiast? Please send a short message with your LinkedIn profile or cv to onno@geheco.com. We will look at it in short notice, and invite you for a coffee if we also see a fit.