R&D Intern - Thermoplastics

Carlisle Construction Materials • Carlisle, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The R&D Thermoplastics Intern will collaborate with the TPO membrane group, working closely with chemists, engineers, and lab technicians to optimize product formulations and address processing-related defects. The projects include conducting lab-scale extrusion trials, evaluating the use of new raw materials in TPO products, and optimizing processing parameters to improve product quality. They will also support the development of methods to correlate weld performance between lab-scale and production-scale samples, enabling more efficient project scale-ups. Over the course of the internship, they will build comprehensive knowledge of the roofing industry, including end-use applications, installation methodologies, manufacturing and quality standards, formulation chemistry, raw material selection, lab-scale extrusion, polymer testing, and safety protocols.

Requirements

• Candidates must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate program in material science, polymer science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Junior or senior level academic standing
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or knowledge of polymers and/or extrusion is preferred. Materials manufacturing knowledge is beneficial
• Statistical methods would be preferred but not required
• Prior experience in a lab setting is preferred, especially in polymer rheology and processing
• Prior knowledge of the following test methods is preferred: tensile testing, rheometer, DSC, TGA and IR

Responsibilities

• Attend the Applicator Certification Seminar at our on-campus Training & Education facility to learn about CCM’s product systems and installation practices.
• Develop an understanding of TPO compound and membrane chemistry, formulation, and manufacturing processes.
• Assist the Processing Lab team with lab-scale extrusion trials.
• Operate heat-welding equipment for thermoplastic membranes and perform destructive evaluations on welded samples.
• Collaborate with Physical Testing and Analytical teams to obtain and interpret sample test data.
• Conduct data analysis using Minitab and/or Excel.
• Communicate findings to cross-functional groups and provide recommendations related to formula optimization, processing parameters, and method development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees