About the role#
The R&D Intern role offers hands-on experience by supporting projects that connect product development with commercial manufacturing. You will work alongside scientists, engineers, and manufacturing professionals to contribute to process optimization, formulation development, and analytical testing. This position is designed for students who want to understand how products move from the lab to the production floor.
What you'll do#
- Support process development, manufacturing trials, and product development projects in both laboratory and production environments.
- Conduct analytical testing and evaluations of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
- Collect and interpret experimental data to support process improvements and technical decision-making.
- Assist with formulation development, material evaluations, and process optimization studies.
- Prepare samples, materials, and equipment for testing and production trials.
- Monitor and document process parameters, product quality attributes, and performance metrics.
- Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams to investigate technical challenges and develop solutions.
- Participate in troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, batch records, and technical project documentation.
- Follow all safety, environmental, and quality procedures.
- Prepare technical summaries and present project findings to leadership at the end of the internship.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment at an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a similar field.
- Previous laboratory, research, or technical project experience gained through coursework, academic projects, or internships.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, interpret, and summarize technical data.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
Location & details#
- This is an on-site, full-time, paid internship located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
- Work schedules are determined based on business needs and your academic availability.
- You may work in a combination of office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
- You will be required to follow all safety policies and may need to wear personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, hearing protection, or steel-toed footwear, depending on the work area.
About Minerals Technologies Inc.
Minerals Technologies Inc. is a specialty minerals company that develops and delivers mineral-based products for diverse industrial and consumer markets. The company operates in sectors including paper, pharmaceuticals, construction, and automotive manufacturing. Headquartered in New York City, it maintains a global presence with over 150 locations and 12 research and development centers. The organization employs approximately 4,000 people across 34 countries.
How to get in at Minerals Technologies Inc.
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