Summer 2027 Intern-Hardcoat Research and Development Intern

About the role

The Hardcoat Research and Development Intern will contribute to the growth of Hardcoat Technology through support of NPI programs and Platforms. The Intern will develop critical structure-property knowledge that can be applied to multiple programs/customers. The intern will investigate the effect of formulation and processing changes on hardcoat performance, particularly with respect to coating performance failures for thermal cure hardcoat systems on polycarbonate or metal substrates. Additionally, the work could include documentation and standardization of Hardcoat developmental data.

Responsibilities

• Effect of chemistry and process parameters on chemical resistance, adhesion and cracking.
• Effects of additives to improve adhesion to wider range of substrate types.
• Effects of pigments and matte agents on appearance and performance.
• Development of in-house test methods of importance to Consumer/Industrial space.
• Improvements to performance of metal protection hardcoats.
• Improvements to anti-fingerprint performance of hardcoats.

Qualifications

• Applicant must be comfortable working in a wet chemistry lab and also with performing physical property testing and characterization.
• Experience with coating processes and test methods is desired.
• Experience with polymer chemistry and mechanical property testing on polymeric systems is desired.
• Experience with statistical data analysis is desired.
• Experience with Microsoft tools (Excel, PowerPoint) and data storage platforms (SharePoint).
• Candidate must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of application and for at least one semester following the conclusion of the internship.