Research & Development Intern

JOB TITLE: Research & Development Intern LOCATION: Sioux Falls, SD, USA POSTED DATE: 2026-09-16

JOB DESCRIPTION: After more than 60 years of industry leadership, Viaflex is dedicated to utilizing years of expertise and has committed to the continuation of innovative thinking for years to come. Our team is currently over 400 team members strong and covers six locations. We are seeking passionate individuals to help us on our mission to create solutions that are thinner, lighter, and stronger – together. The Viaflex team finds its passion in creating film and sheeting solutions that outperform and outlast. With a focus on preserving customer assets and protecting Earth’s resources, Viaflex creates liners, covers, and barriers that make a positive impact in the markets we serve. From design and manufacturing to on-site installation, our highly skilled team never stops striving to improve. SUMMARY: In this role, you'll gain hands-on experience in developing and testing new manufacturing processes and materials. You'll assist with experimental design, data collection, and analysis, contributing to projects aimed at improving efficiency and product quality. This internship offers the chance to work closely with experienced engineers and researchers, providing valuable insights into the manufacturing industry. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: - Complete projects as assigned within internship discipline. - Attend, Engage, and participate Viaflex sponsored training, events, and educational seminars. - Work closely with assigned mentor and manager to reach successful completion of internship. - Provide periodic updates to managers and peers on assigned project(s). - Complete summer end internship presentation. - Demonstrates Viaflex Team Member Values in their daily actions and encourages their teams to do the same. - May be called upon to perform comparable duties of a similar or related nature and/or assist in other areas as needed. - Learning, understanding, continuously improving, and promoting the division’s quality management system in accordance with ISO standards. - Assist in designing and executing experiments to test new materials, processes, or technologies. - Collaborate with engineers and researchers to develop and test process improvements. - Support the evaluation of current manufacturing processes and identify areas for improvement. - Prepare and present data reports, highlighting key findings and trends. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: - High school diploma or GED, and pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Physics - Bachelor’s degree in related field and pursuing graduate level degree program. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, without close supervision. Problem-solving abilities. Ability to identify waste and creatively look for solutions. Ability to work with high level of confidentiality. Capacity to be flexible and multitask. Proficient with computers, including Microsoft Office. Ability to communicate effectively with team members and leadership staff. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical Requirements: Required to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working Conditions: Exposure to a normal office environment. Position may occasionally require entering a production environment, including exposure to noise, fumes, moving machinery, and varied temperatures. BENEFITS TO YOU: Not all benefits are created equal, but we have got you covered. Viaflex not only offers a wide range of benefits that encourage wellness and preventative care, but we also provide the right tools and programs to help you achieve it. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and disability insurance and 401k. We offer workplace flexibility policies to promote work/life balance in addition to paid time off (PTO) benefits. Team Members can also take advantage of additional benefit programs such as education assistance, our onsite fitness center or fitness center reimbursement, employee assistance program (EAP) and much more. EEOC STATEMENT: Viaflex is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. The Viaflex team finds its passion in creating film and sheeting solutions that outperform and outlast. With a focus on preserving customer assets and protecting Earth’s resources, Viaflex creates liners, covers, and barriers that make a positive impact in the markets we serve. From design and manufacturing to on-site installation, our highly skilled team never stops striving to improve.