Material Engineer Intern

S&C Electric Company•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At S&C Electric Company, a 100% employee-owned company, we help keep the lights on for people and businesses worldwide. Our manufacturing roles build the equipment that protects the critical infrastructure of the power grid, and each of our team members lends their unique skills to this crucial mission. We empower our people by providing pathways to a long-term career and support them in their professional growth by sustaining a culture founded on respect, strengthened by collaboration, and measured by our shared successes. The manufacturing industry is booming with opportunities to learn new things, expand your skills, and build a long-term career. Join S&C to make an impact on tomorrow’s energy challenges and become an employee-owner! Available Shift: 1st shift: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday Full-Time Fall 2026 Internship At S&C, we are dedicated to providing competitive and equitable compensation for all our team members, and we are committed to transparency in our pay practices. The estimated per hourly range for this position is $22 - 30 per hour based on experience. Analytical Services is responsible for material testing and insuring conformance to applicable material specifications and periodically reviewing material specifications for accuracy. The intern candidate would work in the Analytical lab, report to the Assistant Manager of Analytical Services, and be located at S&C Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

Requirements

In-progress degree program from an accredited university/college program with a concentration in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline and returning to school full-time after the work session.

Responsibilities

Support the Analytical Services team by performing laboratory testing and characterization of metallic, polymeric, and composite materials used throughout S&C products and operations.
Assist with sample preparation, testing, data collection, and interpretation of results using a variety of analytical techniques and laboratory equipment.
Work alongside engineers, chemists, and technologists to evaluate material conformance to specifications and investigate material-related issues.
Assist with failure analysis investigations involving metals, plastics, rubber materials, coatings, and assemblies.
Participate in root cause investigations by examining components, documenting observations, collecting test data, and supporting development of technical conclusions that help improve product reliability and manufacturing processes.
Gain hands-on experience operating and supporting advanced laboratory instrumentation such as microscopes, hardness testers, FTIR, XRF, DSC, DMA, TGA, TMA, SEM/EDS, viscometers, and other analytical equipment.
Assist with equipment setup, sample testing, data collection, and maintenance activities while learning laboratory best practices and test methodologies.
Compile and analyze laboratory data, generate charts and summaries, and assist in preparing technical reports and presentations for engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, product development, and quality assurance teams.
Support clear communication of test results and recommendations to internal stakeholders.
Participate in laboratory process improvement initiatives focused on improving testing efficiency, turnaround time, data quality, standardization, and workflow optimization.
Assist with documentation updates, test method development, validation activities, and implementation of Lean or continuous improvement practices within the laboratory environment.
Work closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, New Product Development, Quality Assurance, and other functional groups to provide analytical support for new product development, supplier qualification, incoming material evaluation, manufacturing troubleshooting, and quality improvement initiatives.
Understand and comply with all applicable Company policies, safety requirements, laboratory practices, and quality system expectations.