Materials Engineering Intern/Co-Op

IKO North America; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wage

Hands-on experience

Eco-friendly practices

Cross-functional exposure

Job summary

IKO Industries Ltd. is seeking a Materials Engineering Intern/Co-Op in Chester, SC. The role offers hands-on experience researching and developing materials for high‑quality roofing products, with exposure to production processes and cross‑functional teams.

You will study chopped fiberglass properties, contribute to new formulations, and support safety and quality initiatives while exploring future internship or full‑time opportunities. This is a paid on‑site co‑op/intern position.

Qualifications

• Materials science or engineering student with strong coursework.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to analyze data and plan experiments effectively.
• Interest in research, design and development of materials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to understand properties and applications of chopped fiberglass.
• Analyze mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of materials.
• Develop and improve chopped fiberglass formulations.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source quality materials.
• Work with design and production teams to enhance product performance.
• Optimize manufacturing processes to reduce waste and improve quality.
• Establish and implement quality control procedures.
• Maintain engineering documentation and reports.
• Communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Strong communication

Data-driven problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Materials Science/Engineering student (sophomore–senior)

Job description

IKO Industries Ltd. is a market leader in the manufacturing of roofing and building materials. IKO is a Canadian owned and operated business with production facilities worldwide and has many years of unparalleled success in the roofing materials industry. Quality, integrity, and trustworthiness are the values that underlie this success, and we have built this company by hiring people who hold these values. People like you!

Job Description

Materials Engineering Intern/Co-Op

Location: Chester, SC

Type: Full Time Co-Op / Paid Intern Department: Plant Operations

• Must be local to the Carolina States**

Relocation Assistance not available

A Materials Engineering Intern/Co-Op participant works to gain hands‑on experience and contribute to various projects. They will help in researching, designing, and developing materials that meet specific criteria for performance, durability, and cost. They will work to ensure the optimal selection and application of materials in the production of goods and structures. The role involves studying the properties of chopped fiberglass, improving manufacturing processes, and ensuring it’s effective application.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Competitive Wage ($25.00-$27.00 per Hour)
• Hands‑on experience with an industry leader in manufacturing, contributing to the production of high‑quality roofing materials.
• Work with a company committed to eco‑friendly practices and sustainable production methods.
• Exposure to different roles or departments to help you clarify your career interests and path.
• Potential for future Internship/Co‑Op placements or full‑time roles upon graduation.

WHEN YOU JOIN US, YOU WILL BE;

• Must have the ability & willingness to perform at the expected level of attendance at IKO Glass Fibers, Inc.; to work every day, on time, as scheduled.
• Promote and maintain IKO safety goals and ensure a safe work environment for all employees. Leads safety and housekeeping efforts and corrective actions within department, assigned projects, and areas with goal of zero incidents. Exemplifies safety in all actions and leads by example.
• Conduct research to understand the properties, characteristics, and applications of chopped fiberglass.
• Analyze the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of chopped fiberglass materials
• Work on the development of new chopped fiberglass materials or improvements to existing formulations.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source high‑quality chopped fiberglass materials.
• Collaborate with design and production teams to enhance product performance.
• Optimize product formulations to achieve specific requirements.
• Optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure consistent product quality.
• Establish and implement quality control procedures to ensure materials meet industry standards and specifications.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date engineering documentation and reports.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including production engineers and project managers. Communicate technical information to non‑technical stakeholders effectively.
• Other duties as required.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE;

• Sophomore, Junior, or Senior studying to be a Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or equivalent.
• Strong academic background in relevant coursework.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal and presentation), with the ability to effectively work with others in a team environment.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to handle complex assignments with a proactive attitude.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical, data‑driven problem solving and action planning skills.
• Ability to make independent and well thought out decisions.
• Organized, self‑starter, results oriented, unique problem solver.
• Knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols
• Experience in making data‑driven decisions and utilization of statistics to solve problems and monitor processes.
• All training necessary to stay current in materials engineering especially those of the preventive and predictive nature. Stays abreast and informed of all environmental policies and laws as well as any changes.

WORK AUTHORIZATIONS AND TRAVEL;

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• No travel requirement

Benefits of Employment:

IKO recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. A primary goal of IKO is to promote individual employee's sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with IKO. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at, IKO. We are pleased to offer competitive compensation, health care, a progressive and challenging workplace and a commitment to teamwork and integrity.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Employment:

IKO Industries Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability. IKO Industries Ltd. encourages and welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.