Raw Material Test Engineer (INTERN)

Canadian Solar•Mesquite, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

At CS Power Systems, a division of Canadian Solar, we are dedicated to transforming lives by providing clean, solar-powered electricity globally. As a leader in manufacturing high-performance solar panels, inverters, and energy storage solutions, our work is driven by a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. We invest in our people's success and are looking for individuals passionate about renewable energy to join us in shaping the clean energy revolution. Canadian Solar Inc. is a major global solar modular producer and a vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules, solar power systems, and specialized solar products.

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.
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.
Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) and engineering methodologies to real-world material engineering challenges.
Perform material characterization, testing, statistical analysis, and technical interpretation.
Apply engineering findings to support material selection, supplier qualification, manufacturing performance, and product reliability.
Develop and implement test methods to evaluate material performance, durability, and reliability.
Provide technical recommendations based on laboratory data and engineering analysis.
Support root-cause investigations and corrective actions related to raw material performance.
Contribute to laboratory quality systems, testing procedures, engineering standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.