Technical Associate Intern

Opta Group•Milan, MI

20h

About The Position

From our roots providing sand to local foundries in the 1880's, Opta has grown to an international group of companies committed to delivering optimal results for our customers. Opta's purpose is to create solutions that enhance productivity and set new standards for industrial performance. Our mission is to consistently deliver custom-engineered additives, specialty equipment and technical expertise that solves complex challenges, optimizes process and drives long-term success. OPTA CORE VALUES SAFETY: We put safety first on our processes, our products and our culture to protect people and ensure long-term operational success. PEOPLE: We invest in our people because their expertise drives the solutions that power our success. CUSTOMERS: We build lasting partnerships by understanding our customers' challenges and delivering customized solutions that meet their unique needs. INNOVATION: We continually seek smarter, more effective and innovative ways to deliver solutions, blending creativity, data-driven insight and practical application. SUSTAINABILITY: We engineer solutions with efficiency, responsibility, and sustainability as our foundation, optimizing performance today, while strengthening the resilience of tomorrow's operations. The Technical Summer Intern will report directly to the Product Manager and/or Technical Associate and provide technical support to the sales team, customers, and production plants. This position is designed to offer hands-on experience in engineering and metallurgy while contributing to real-world technical projects.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, or Materials Science (or a related field).
Strong interest in the steel or metallurgical industry.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with Python is a plus.
Strong analytical and organizational skills with an eagerness to learn.
Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

Assist in solving technical issues at production plants or customer sites with supervision.
Support the development and testing of new products, including assisting with high-temperature property evaluations.
Observe and assist in customer trials and process evaluations at production facilities.
Collect and analyze performance data from trials to provide insights into product improvements.
Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Sales, Quality, and Operations) to ensure accurate communication of project updates.
Prepare and deliver a summary presentation of the internship experience to the leadership team.