Innovation Intern

Covia • Concord, NC

14h • Onsite

About The Position

Covia responsibly provides minerals solutions for a better tomorrow. As a
leading provider of diversified minerals, our products support a variety of
industrial markets, including glass, ceramics, coatings, metals, foundry,
polymers, construction, water filtration, and sports and recreation.
Long-standing relationships with a broad customer base enable Covia’s
market-inspired approach to innovation to enhance solutions and customer
benefits. Underpinning these strengths is an unwavering commitment to safety and
to sustainable development, further enhancing the value that Covia delivers to
all its stakeholders.

Covia is looking for a motivated Intern who will have a positive impact on the
Product Development & Innovation Team at Covia’s Innovation Center located in
Concord, NC.  This Coating Product Developmental and Innovation Intern position
provides hands-on exposure to formulation development, testing, application
evaluation, and cross-functional collaboration in a real-world industrial
environment. The intern will work closely with technical, commercial, and
product managers to help develop, improve, and validate coating technologies
used in wide variety of coatings applications.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences, Polymer Science or a related field of study from an accredited university
• Completion of at least sophomore year by the start of the internship
• Graduate students are also encouraged to apply
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory setting
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Previous laboratory, internship, or co-op experience
• Coursework or experience related to coatings, polymers, or materials
• Familiarity with basic analytical or test methods (e.g., viscosity, adhesion, hardness, corrosion)
• Interest in industrial or applied product development roles

Responsibilities

• Support formulation development and optimization of coating systems (e.g., resins, pigments, additives).
• Assist in laboratory testing, including physical, chemical, and performance evaluations.
• Prepare test panels and conduct application trials using standard coating techniques.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data in technical reports and presentations.
• Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis for formulation or performance issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, quality, and marketing.
• Maintain laboratory safety, organization, and documentation standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees