Polymers Materials Science Intern

About the role

Support R&D of polymer materials and processing technologies, including extrusion, compounding, and foaming. Conduct experiments to understand material-process-property relationships and improve materials and manufacturing processes. Apply DOE, statistics, and data analysis to optimize processes and interpret results. Use JMP, Python, and AI tools to analyze data and support engineering decisions. Collaborate with engineers and scientists, document work, and communicate findings.

Work Location: Fremont, CA (6900 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94555).

Responsibilities

• Conduct polymer processing experiments focused on extrusion, compounding, foaming, and process development.
• Characterize polymer materials and assess how formulation and processing affect structure and properties.
• Analyze experimental data using DOE, JMP, Python, statistics, and visualization to optimize processes and drive recommendations.
• Document procedures and results, prepare technical reports and presentations, and perform literature reviews and technology scouting.
• Apply AI and advanced analytics to accelerate experimentation, enhance process understanding, and support engineering decisions.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific field.
• Strong foundation in polymeric materials and polymer processing, preferably including hands‑on experience with extrusion, compounding, foaming, injection molding, or related processing technologies.
• Understanding of material‑process‑property relationships and interest in developing and optimizing polymer materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with, or strong interest in, Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, process optimization, and data‑driven engineering; experience with JMP and/or Python preferred.
• Familiarity with AI tools, machine learning concepts, or AI‑assisted engineering and data‑analysis workflows is an advantage.
• Self‑motivated, innovative problem solver who learns quickly, enjoys hands‑on laboratory work, and can work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to document, analyze, and present technical results.
• Preferably prior internship, research, laboratory, or significant academic project experience related to polymer materials, polymer processing, materials science, or manufacturing process development.

Benefits

• Robust internship program with resources to feel included as part of the team.
• Educational and networking events each summer, including virtual meetups, information sessions, tours, skill‑building presentations, and National Intern Day celebration activities.
• Access to the Young Professionals Employee Resource Group (ERG) focused on professional development, networking, and community involvement.
• Complete access to internal library of self‑lead courses (e.g., leadership academies) to develop future leaders.
• Mentorship via the NAVIGATE platform to guide career development within the organization.
• Holistic experience targeting professional development and personal growth.

Pay

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $26.92–$57.15 per hour (subject to change based on physical location).

Schedule

Internship program typically runs May through August, offering a 10‑ to 12‑week experience. Recruiting occurs on campus between September and March for positions beginning in May.