Materials Science & Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

RHI Magnesita GmbH; York (York County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

RHI Magnesita is seeking a Materials Science & Engineering Intern to work on refractory materials development, testing, and manufacturing support on-site at York, PA. You'll collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, and operations leaders to gain hands-on experience across lab studies, product development, and plant trials.

During Summer 2027, you will contribute to data collection, literature reviews, and technical reports while learning how materials move from concept to

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing Bachelor's or Master's degree in a technical discipline.
• Expected graduation date between December 2027 and May 2029.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Interest in materials development, manufacturing, research, and industrial innovation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a cross-functional team.
• Previous lab, research, manufacturing, or engineering project experience is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory studies involving refractory materials, ceramics, and raw materials.
• Assist with sample preparation, testing, data collection, and analysis.
• Participate in product development projects focused on performance improvement and innovation.
• Document experimental findings and assist with technical reports and presentations.
• Assist with plant trials and product evaluations in partnership with Operations and Quality teams.
• Gain hands-on exposure to manufacturing processes and material processing techniques.
• Help collect and analyze trial data to support process improvements and product optimization.
• Observe the complete manufacturing cycle, from raw materials through final testing.
• Conduct literature reviews and technical research to support innovation initiatives.
• Assist with competitive product benchmarking and materials investigations.
• Support troubleshooting and performance evaluations for products and manufacturing processes.
• Contribute ideas for continuous improvement projects within R&D.

Skills

Analytical ability

Problem solving

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Communication

Organizational skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Independent work

Education

Materials Science

Ceramic Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering

Chemistry

Geology

Related technical discipline

Job description

Fully On-Site

Are you curious about how advanced materials are developed, tested, and manufactured? As a Materials Science & Engineering Intern, you'll work alongside scientists, engineers, technicians, and operations leaders to support the development of refractory products used in some of the world's most demanding industrial environments. This paid internship provides hands‑on experience in materials research, laboratory testing, product development, manufacturing processes, and innovation. You'll gain exposure to the full product lifecycle, from raw material evaluation and laboratory experimentation to plant trials and performance testing, while contributing to projects that help improve products, manufacturing efficiency, and customer performance.

What You'll Do

Materials Research & Product Development

• Support laboratory studies involving refractory materials, ceramics, and raw materials.
• Assist with sample preparation, testing, data collection, and analysis.
• Participate in product development projects focused on performance improvement and innovation.
• Document experimental findings and assist with technical reports and presentations.

Testing & Manufacturing Support

• Assist with plant trials and product evaluations in partnership with Operations and Quality teams.
• Gain hands‑on exposure to manufacturing processes and material processing techniques.
• Help collect and analyze trial data to support process improvements and product optimization.
• Observe the complete manufacturing cycle, from raw materials through final testing.

Innovation & Technical Analysis

• Conduct literature reviews and technical research to support innovation initiatives.
• Assist with competitive product benchmarking and materials investigations.
• Support troubleshooting and performance evaluations for products and manufacturing processes.
• Contribute ideas for continuous improvement projects within the R&D organization.

Professional Development

• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Technical Marketing teams.
• Learn how new industrial materials move from concept to commercial production.
• Present project results and recommendations to site leadership at the conclusion of the internship.

What You Bring

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, or a related technical discipline.
• Expected graduation date between December 2027 and May 2029.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Interest in materials development, manufacturing, research, and industrial innovation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a cross‑functional team.
• Previous laboratory, research, manufacturing, or engineering project experience is a plus, but not required.

What You'll Gain

• Hands‑on experience in applied materials science and industrial research.
• Exposure to laboratory testing, ceramics, refractory technology, and manufacturing operations.
• Mentorship from experienced scientists, engineers, and technical professionals.
• Opportunities to work on meaningful projects with real business impact.
• Experience presenting technical recommendations to engineering and operational leaders.
• A deeper understanding of how innovative materials support critical industries around the world.

Who We Are

RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high‑grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are critical for high-temperature processes in a wide range of industries. Serving customers around the world, RHI Magnesita has more than 20,000 employees in 65 main production sites (including raw material sites), 12 recycling facilities and more than 70 sales offices.

Our North American team helps build refractory products that solve the most extreme manufacturing challenges. From advanced lithium‑ion batteries for laptops and EVs and specialized glass on smartphones and tablets, to the steel and cement that build the world around us, our high‑performance bricks and linings make it possible to melt, bend, shape, and refine these materials at extreme temperatures.

With a vertically integrated value chain, RHI Magnesita has helped forge the materials that build industries and economies for almost 200 years. Refractory products are essential to the production processes for cement, steel, aluminum, and many other industrial producers in the region.

Come get fired up with our North American team!

Launch Your Career with Us

Join our York team for Summer 2027 and gain hands‑on experience applying materials science principles to real‑world manufacturing and product development challenges while helping shape the next generation of refractory solutions.

Nearest Major Market: York PA

Nearest Secondary Market: Lancaster