Raw Material Test Engineer (INTERN)

Canadian Solar Inc.•Mesquite, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

At CS Power Systems, we're on a mission to transform lives by delivering clean, solar-powered electricity to millions worldwide—and we're just getting started. As a cutting-edge division of Canadian Solar, a global leader founded in 2001, we stand at the forefront of manufacturing high-performance solar panels, inverters, and advanced energy storage solutions. In this fast-growing, high-impact industry, our deep commitment to sustainability drives everything we do, creating innovative technologies that power a brighter, greener future. Across Canadian Solar's powerful ecosystem—including CS Power Systems, CSPowerTech, e-STORAGE, Recurrent Energy, MSS, and CSI Solar—we're deeply invested in our people's success. If you're passionate about renewable energy and want to "Make the Difference" by building a lasting positive impact on the planet and communities everywhere, join us at CS Power Systems—where your talent can help shape the clean energy revolution. Canadian Solar Inc. is one of the world’s largest solar modular producers. As a leading vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products, Canadian Solar delivers uncompromising value to its customers across the globe. Position Title: Raw Material Laboratory Engineer Department: Quality Technical / Reliability Laboratory Reports To: Quality Technical Manager Description: The Raw Material Laboratory Engineer supports advanced material research, testing, and characterization activities focused on understanding raw material performance, degradation mechanisms, process sensitivity, and product reliability. This position applies engineering principles, Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and laboratory testing to evaluate materials and provide data-driven technical recommendations. The Engineer works closely with Engineering, Quality, Process, Reliability, and Supplier Quality teams to support material selection, supplier qualification, product development, root-cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related engineering or technical field
Knowledge of material characterization, experimental methods, laboratory testing, or material performance evaluation
Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical data analysis concepts
Ability to analyze technical data, identify trends, and develop engineering conclusions and recommendations
Ability to independently manage laboratory testing and engineering assignments while collaborating with cross-functional teams

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field
Hands-on laboratory or industrial material testing experience
Experience with statistical or DOE software such as Minitab, JMP, Python, or MATLAB
Familiarity with material testing standards, including ASTM, ISO, and IEC
Experience with polymers, sealants, coatings, glass, metals, or other raw materials used in manufacturing
Experience supporting material qualification, supplier evaluation, reliability testing, or root-cause investigations
Experience working within an ISO-controlled laboratory or manufacturing environment

Responsibilities

Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to evaluate raw material performance, variability, aging behavior, and process sensitivity
Define experimental factors, responses, controls, and acceptance criteria based on engineering objectives and material science principles
Plan and execute structured laboratory studies to evaluate material performance and reliability
Conduct root-cause investigations related to material performance deviations, defects, or failures
Develop technical conclusions and recommendations based on experimental findings
Perform laboratory testing and characterization of raw materials, including polymers, sealants, metals, glass, coatings, and other manufacturing materials
Evaluate material properties such as curing behavior, mechanical performance, thermal aging, durability, and environmental exposure effects
Operate laboratory equipment and testing instrumentation in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements
Develop and optimize testing approaches to improve accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency
Evaluate material performance against applicable specifications, standards, and engineering requirements
Analyze experimental and laboratory data using statistical methods, DOE tools, and engineering principles
Identify trends, correlations, variations, and potential failure mechanisms within material performance data
Interpret results and translate findings into clear technical conclusions and actionable recommendations
Prepare technical reports, data summaries, charts, and presentations for Engineering, Quality, and management reviews
Maintain accurate and traceable records of laboratory testing, analysis, and technical findings
Develop, validate, refine, and standardize laboratory test methods and experimental protocols
Conduct correlation studies between laboratory results, production performance, and field data
Identify opportunities to improve testing methodologies, laboratory processes, and material evaluation criteria
Support standardization of testing and experimental approaches across materials, products, and suppliers
Implement improvements that enhance laboratory capability, testing reliability, and data quality
Conduct laboratory activities in accordance with applicable quality systems and standards, including ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 principles
Ensure proper documentation, sample traceability, test record accuracy, and data integrity
Maintain compliance with established laboratory procedures, specifications, and testing requirements
Support laboratory audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities as required
Follow all laboratory safety, risk assessment, PPE, and equipment usage requirements
Collaborate with Raw Material Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Quality, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supplier Quality teams
Provide technical support for material-related investigations and manufacturing concerns
Participate in technical discussions with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and other external partners as needed
Support supplier qualification and material change evaluations through laboratory testing and technical analysis
Communicate laboratory findings and engineering recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders