Intern - Materials Science

Engineering Systems Inc; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) seeks a motivated student for a seasonal internship in Kansas City, MO. The role focuses on hands-on failure analysis, site visits, and laboratory investigations within the Materials Practice Group.

You will assist with inspections, document findings, and learn microscopy and materials testing techniques under experienced engineers, with a schedule of 40 hours/week during business hours.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree related to metallurgical engineering, materials engineering, materials science, or similar scientific or engineering field. Must have completed at least Freshman year.
• Major in Metallurgical 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist ESi consultants during site and laboratory-based forensic inspections.
• Assist ESi consultants in file review and report writing.
• Document artifacts and evidence using photography, videography, notes, and measurements.
• Learn to use materials characterization equipment and microscopes and report findings.
• Internships are 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

Communication

Technical reports

Microscopy

Photography

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s in Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science

Freshman year completed

GPA 3.30+ preferred

Driver's license

Tools

Microscopy equipment

Photography equipment

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Seasonal Kansas City, MO, US

Salary Range: $18.00 To $22.00 Hourly

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

As a consulting and forensic engineer in ESi's Materials Practice Group, you will play a key role in solving complex, real-world engineering problems through hands-on failure analysis and advanced material characterization. With 11 materials laboratories across the country, ESi provides a uniquely integrated environment where consultants can directly investigate material behavior, processing, and performance using state-of-the-art tools. You will work alongside experienced engineers and scientists who are deeply invested in technical rigor and mentorship, contributing to multidisciplinary investigations that span industries and applications. This combination of resources, responsibility, and collaboration offers a platform to develop strong technical judgment and build a well-rounded consulting career.

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 metallurgical engineering, materials engineering, materials science, or similar scientific or engineering field. Must have completed at least Freshman year.
• Major in Metallurgical 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 metallurgical and materials science and technology to solve problems.

Other Technical & Non-Technical Skills (i.e communication skills, computer skills, etc)

• Ability to prepare technical reports.
• Hands‑on experience with microscopy and photography.
• Familiarity with metallurgical 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 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.