Engineering Intern (Metallurgical / Mineral Processing / Chemical)

Intel-E-Waste LLC; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Part time

Job summary

Intel‑E‑Waste is hiring engineering interns to support the experimental program at the core of our process development work. This hands‑on laboratory role is in a small, funded, patent‑backed startup: interns prepare and characterize samples, operate equipment, and collect and analyze data that feeds directly into decisions about what the company builds next.

Interns work alongside and report directly to the Process Development Engineer and Managing Director.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Demonstrated engagement with materials processing, sustainability, or related areas.
• Basic proficiency in Excel for organizing and presenting data.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written protocols.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a small, fast-moving team.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Experiment Support and Sample Preparation: assist in experiments, prepare samples, operate equipment under supervision.
• Data Analysis and Reporting Support: collect, organize, and analyze data; help prepare figures and summaries.
• Research and Documentation: conduct literature reviews and document procedures and results.
• Lab Organization and General Support: maintain cleanliness and inventory awareness in the lab.

Skills

Excel data analysis

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Willingness to learn

Education

Undergraduate or Graduate degree in chemical engineering, materials science, mineral/metallurgical engineering, environmental engineering, or chemistry

Job description

Engineering Intern (Metallurgical / Mineral Processing / Chemical) – Multiple Openings

Location: State College, PA (on-site)

Pay: $25–$35 per hour, commensurate with education and experience

Type: Part‑time during academic terms; full‑time temporary positions available (hourly, non‑exempt)

Terms: Summer 2026 and/or Fall 2026; start and end dates flexible

Work authorization: No visa sponsorship. CPT/OPT‑eligible students are encouraged to apply for this part‑time, off‑campus position; the company assists in meeting program requirements.

Position Summary

Intel‑E‑Waste is hiring engineering interns to support the experimental program at the core of our process development work. This hands‑on laboratory role is in a small, funded, patent‑backed startup: interns prepare and characterize samples, operate equipment, and collect and analyze data that feeds directly into decisions about what the company builds next. Interns work alongside and report directly to the Process Development Engineer and Managing Director. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome; M.S. and Ph.D. students whose research involves materials processing, separation, characterization, or related areas are especially encouraged.

About Intel‑E‑Waste

Intel‑E‑Waste is the fastest‑growing waste stream on the planet and is expected to more than double by 2050. Every discarded phone, laptop, and solar panel contains copper, gold, silver, lithium, and other critical materials that are essential to the clean‑energy economy. The company, founded by a research team with deep expertise in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, developed and patented a low‑cost, heat‑free, zero‑waste process that selectively separates multiple critical materials from e‑waste. The technology is validated, and the team is now turning proven processes into scalable, deployable physical systems. Interns contribute directly to the experimental program driving that transition.

What You’ll Do

• Laboratory Experiment Support and Sample Preparation (~40% of time, daily): Assist in the execution of laboratory experiments, including sample preparation, characterization, and physical and chemical separation tasks. Support equipment operation under the direction of the Process Development Engineer. Follow established experimental protocols accurately and consistently. Assist with setup, adjustment, and teardown of experiments, and contribute to general lab organization.
• Data Analysis and Reporting Support (~30% of time, daily/weekly): Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using Excel and other relevant tools. Assist in preparing figures, tables, charts, and written summaries for internal reports, funding deliverables, and external communications. Ensure data is accurately recorded, clearly organized, and traceable to its source.
• Research and Documentation (~20% of time, weekly): Conduct focused literature reviews supporting technical and process development work and summarize findings for the engineering team. Support documentation of experimental procedures, protocols, and results in accordance with established lab standards.
• Lab Organization and General Support (~10% of time, as needed): Contribute to the organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness of the laboratory. Support inventory awareness of lab supplies and materials, and assist with ad‑hoc tasks supporting the experimental program.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in chemical engineering, materials science, mineral or metallurgical engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated academic engagement with materials processing, sustainability, or related technical areas, evidenced through coursework, research involvement, or extracurricular activity.
• Basic proficiency in data analysis using Excel: the ability to organize, calculate, and present experimental data clearly and accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to follow written protocols accurately, consistently, and completely.
• Willingness to learn in an unfamiliar environment: ask questions, take directions, acknowledge what you don’t know, and apply feedback quickly.
• Ability to work effectively within a small, fast‑moving team, communicating status clearly and flagging issues promptly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior laboratory or research experience involving direct engagement with physical materials or experimental equipment, through coursework, undergraduate or graduate research, co‑op, or independent study.
• Exposure to materials processing, separation processes, recycling systems, or chemical processing in any academic or practical context.
• Familiarity with, or coursework in, Techno‑Economic Analysis (TEA) and/or Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), including any experience with process data, cost modeling, or environmental impact frameworks.
• Experience preparing technical figures, tables, or written summaries for an academic or professional audience.
• Prior experience in a university research lab, startup, or other early‑stage technical setting.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is conducted in designated labs, pilot areas, and offices, in a fully operational, controlled process environment. Individuals may work in proximity to process equipment, chemicals (including acids and solvents), and material samples. All work must comply with applicable safety requirements and company protocols. Required PPE includes safety glasses, gloves, lab coats, closed‑toe shoes, and long pants; contact lenses may be prohibited in hazardous areas. The role requires regular physical presence in the laboratory and involves frequent talking, hearing, standing, and sitting, use of computers and laboratory instruments, and handling equipment and materials. Regular lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds is expected. Vision requirements include close, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Intel‑E‑Waste, a registered trade name of Inventra Technologies LLC, is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based solely on merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process and to enabling performance of essential job functions. To request accommodation, contact careers@intel‑e‑waste.com with your contact information and the nature of your request.