Summer 2027- Polymers and New Product Development Production Engineer Intern

Momentive•Friendly, WV

13d•$22 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

As a Production Engineer Intern supporting our Polymers 1 and New Product Development (NPD) teams, you'll play an active role in improving manufacturing processes, advancing sustainability initiatives, and supporting the development of new products. You'll work alongside experienced engineers and production personnel to identify opportunities that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency across the plant. Throughout the summer, you'll gain hands-on exposure to chemical manufacturing operations while leading projects that deliver real business value. From optimizing filtration systems and improving water treatment processes to supporting Manufacturing Execution System (MES) enhancements and new product commercialization efforts, you'll have the opportunity to apply your engineering knowledge to solve complex challenges in a dynamic production environment. This internship is ideal for students who enjoy data-driven problem solving, process optimization, continuous improvement, and working directly with manufacturing operations.

Requirements

Currently pursuing and in 3rd year for a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Interest in manufacturing operations, process optimization, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret technical data to support decision-making.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings and recommendations effectively.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced industrial setting.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
The candidate must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of application and for at least one semester following the conclusion of the internship.
The candidate is expected to be available 40 hours a week for a period of 10-12 weeks between the months of May and August.

Nice To Haves

Basic understanding of chemical manufacturing processes and unit operations such as: Mixing, Filtration, Distillation, Drying, Chemical reactions, Process flow diagram (PFD) interpretation
Exposure to manufacturing data analysis, statistical methods, or process improvement tools.
Familiarity with SAP, MES platforms, or other manufacturing systems.
Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
Previous internship, co-op, laboratory, or project experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Responsibilities

Analyze production processes to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, reduced waste, and improved operational performance.
Evaluate filtration systems and process equipment to identify optimization opportunities that improve throughput, reliability, and product quality.
Support projects focused on recommissioning underutilized storage assets to reduce transportation costs, improve material flow, and streamline plant operations.
Conduct process observations, time studies, and data analysis to measure performance and recommend improvements.
Partner with operators and engineers to identify root causes of process inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.
Utilize Manufacturing Execution System (MES) data to evaluate process performance and identify improvement opportunities.
Analyze production, quality, and equipment performance data to support data-driven decision making.
Create dashboards, reports, and visualizations that help manufacturing teams monitor key performance indicators.
Support efforts to improve data accuracy, process visibility, and overall manufacturing effectiveness through enhanced system utilization.
Develop recommendations that help improve productivity, quality, and operational reliability through better use of manufacturing data.
Support site Environmental, Health & Safety projects designed to improve workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Assist in identifying obsolete equipment and inactive production assets for removal or decommissioning.
Participate in assessments of drainage systems, containment areas, and environmental control plans to support compliance initiatives.
Evaluate workplace safety exposures and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement risk reduction solutions.
Contribute to a culture of safety by participating in audits, observations, and continuous improvement activities.
Support projects focused on improving water treatment processes and overall product quality performance.
Analyze process data and operating conditions to identify opportunities to reduce variability and improve consistency.
Assist in troubleshooting quality-related issues and participate in root cause investigations.
Help document process changes, improvement opportunities, and project results.
Work closely with Operations, Quality, and Engineering teams to implement sustainable quality improvements.
Support the introduction of new products into manufacturing through coordination with technical and production teams.
Assist with process documentation, technical translations, and implementation activities associated with new product launches.
Collaborate with engineering and production personnel to evaluate manufacturing readiness for new products.
Participate in process trials and product qualification activities.
Help ensure successful scale-up and transition of new products into routine production.
Lead or support engineering projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and sustainability.
Apply engineering principles and structured problem-solving methodologies to identify and implement solutions.
Develop project schedules, track progress, and communicate results to stakeholders.
Create and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and technical documentation.
Present project findings, recommendations, and final results to engineering and site leadership teams.
Work closely with production operators, maintenance technicians, quality professionals, environmental personnel, and engineers to achieve project objectives.
Participate in daily production and project meetings to gain exposure to manufacturing operations and business decision-making.
Build practical experience in chemical manufacturing processes, engineering project execution, and continuous improvement methodologies.