Intern - Chemistry

Engineering Systems, Inc. (ESI); Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 30,307,000; Full time

Job summary

Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) invites students pursuing degrees in chemistry or related fields to join our team for an immersive internship. You’ll work with consultants on site and in the lab, learning forensic methods, documentation, and reporting while supporting real investigations.

Full-time internships are typical, 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, with limited class load if you’re concurrently in college. Travel may be required, and a valid driver’s license is needed.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree related to chemistry or chemical engineering and must have completed freshman year.
• Major in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering or materials science.
• GPA of 3.30 or higher preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with ability to travel up to three days.

Responsibilities

• Assist consultants during site and laboratory-based forensic inspections.
• Assist in file review and report writing.
• Document artifacts and evidence with photography, videography, notes, and measurements.
• Learn to use materials characterization equipment and microscopes; report findings.
• Internships expected to be full-time, 40 hours/week, Mon-Fri; 8am–5pm.
• If enrolled in college, take no more than 2 classes and work at least 32 hours/week.

Skills

Chemical analysis

Microscopy

Laboratory techniques

Technical reporting

Education

Pursuing bachelor’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering, materials engineering/science

Must have completed at least Freshman year

Major in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or similar

GPA 3.30+ preferred

Tools

Chemistry instrumentation

Job description

About ESi

Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) is an engineering and scientific investigation and failure analysis firm. We are frequently retained by law firms, insurance companies, and manufacturers to answer complex technical questions on projects ranging from small, focused investigations to large-scale, high-profile losses.

Our work spans a wide range of challenges, including major transportation accidents, equipment and product failures, personal injury claims, and damage to residential, commercial, and industrial structures. The variety, complexity, and real-world impact of our projects create deeply fulfilling and intellectually engaging careers for our consultants.

At ESi, you'll have the opportunity to shape your own path while being supported by a collaborative culture, national expertise, and industry-leading resources.

Why ESi

ESi's Thermal practice brings together experts in fire, explosion, chemical, electrical, and fire protection engineering to solve complex problems across industrial, commercial, and energy sectors. The team supports high-profile investigations and proactive safety and risk reduction efforts in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist ESi consultants during site and laboratory-based forensic inspections.
• Assist ESi consultants in file review and report writing.
• Employ various methods of documenting artifacts and evidence, such as photography, videography, note taking, and dimensional measurements.
• Assist in the materials laboratory by learning to use various materials characterization equipment and microscopes, and then independently utilizing these tools and reporting findings.
• Internships with ESi are expected to be full-time, 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday (Business hours are from 8am-5pm).
• If you are also enrolled in college - we require that you take no more than 2 classes during your employment semester with ESi and are able to work a minimum of 32 hours per week.

Qualifications

Education / Certifications / Licenses

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree related to chemistry or chemical engineering, materials engineering, materials science, or similar scientific or engineering field. Must have completed at least Freshman year.
• Major in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, similar Scientific or Engineering Field
• 3.30 GPA or higher, preferred
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Must be able to travel for trips of three days in length.

Experience

• Completion of academic courses applicable to investigative methods and laboratory sciences.
• Use of chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science and technology to solve problems.

Other Technical & Non-Technical Skills

• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Hands-on experience with chemical analysis instrumentation, wet chemistry laboratory skills, microscopy and photography.
• Familiarity with analytical chemistry and materials testing methods and data analysis.

Physical Demands

This role requiresfrequentlysitting or standing for extended periods of time and occasionally lifting and/or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, with infrequent lifting up to 75 pounds. The work regularly requires bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, andmaintainingbalance. This positionfrequentlyrequires handling andoperatingspecialized tools and equipment and working in a variety of physical positions, including occasionally accessing tight or confined spaces. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both office and field environments, including active construction sites, industrial settings, and damaged or compromised structures. The work environment may include exposure to varying noise levels, weather conditions, uneven terrain, and site-specific hazards. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on site conditions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee mayencounterwhile performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

To all recruitment agencies: ESi does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of ESi without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of ESi. Please, no phone calls or emails.

ESi is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining the most qualified individuals based on merit, experience, and skills. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. In accordance with applicable laws, ESi actively supports the employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities.