2027 CO-OP-Hardcoat Research and Development

Momentive•Waterford, MI

About The Position

The Hardcoat Research and Development Co-op will support the growth of Hardcoat Technology through new product introduction (NPI) programs and platforms. The co-op will develop structure-property knowledge applicable to multiple programs and customers by investigating how formulation and processing changes affect hardcoat performance. Work will focus particularly on performance failures in thermal-cure hardcoat systems on polycarbonate, metal, glass, and other substrates. The role may also involve documenting and standardizing hardcoat development data. The position involves working in a wet chemistry laboratory and performing physical-property testing and characterization. The candidate is expected to be available 40 hours per week for six months, ideally from January through June 2027. Applicants must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program when applying and remain enrolled for at least one semester after the co-op concludes. The education requirement states that candidates must be pursuing an MS or PhD in polymer science, materials science, or polymer chemistry; these programs are at a higher pay rate than the posted range. Momentive describes its workplace as inclusive and focused on belonging, development, collaboration, and creating sustainable solutions. The posted base pay range is $22.00–$26.00; pay is determined by factors including education, experience, skill sets, and geography.

Requirements

Be comfortable working in a wet-chemistry laboratory and performing physical-property testing and characterization.
Experience with coating processes and test methods.
Experience with polymer chemistry and mechanical-property testing on polymeric systems.
Experience with statistical data analysis.
Experience with Microsoft tools, including Excel and PowerPoint, and data-storage platforms such as SharePoint.
Be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of application and for at least one semester following the co-op.
Be available 40 hours per week for six months, ideally January through June 2027.
Be pursuing an MS or PhD in polymer science, materials science, or polymer chemistry.

Responsibilities

Support Hardcoat Technology growth through NPI programs and platforms.
Develop structure-property knowledge applicable to multiple programs and customers.
Investigate how formulation and processing changes affect hardcoat performance, including failures in thermal-cure hardcoat systems on polycarbonate, metal, glass, and other substrates.
Contribute to thermal-cure next-generation hardcoat platforms by studying the effects of chemistry and process parameters on chemical resistance, adhesion, and cracking.
Study additives that may improve adhesion across a wider range of substrate types.
Study the effects of pigments and matte agents on appearance and performance.
Develop in-house test methods relevant to the consumer and industrial sectors.
Improve the performance of metal-protection hardcoats.
Improve the anti-fingerprint performance of hardcoats.
Document and standardize hardcoat development data as needed.
Perform wet-chemistry laboratory work, physical-property testing, and characterization.