NPI (New Product Introduction) Process Engineering Intern

Notre Dame; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship and guidance

Networking opportunities

Skill development

Job summary

Notre Dame in Wilmington, NC seeks a motivated engineering student for a 12-week summer internship supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) projects. You will participate in product development, process optimization, data collection, and validation, while learning from mentors across engineering, manufacturing, and R&D teams.

This hands-on role offers exposure to capstock formulations, cost-reduction initiatives, and technical documentation.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field with 3.0+ GPA.
• Available for 12 weeks full-time during Summer 2027.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Prefer majors in Chemical, Mechanical, Plastics, or Materials.
• Experience with statistical software like Minitab.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support NPI projects, including development, validation, and process optimization.
• Evaluate raw-material suppliers and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Prepare technical summaries and presentations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, R&D.
• Gain exposure to WPC, railing, and PVC plant operations.
• Document manufacturing processes and project findings.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree program

Tools

Minitab

Job description

Your Role

Key responsibilities include:

• Participate in product development, process optimization, and validation projects supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives.
• Evaluate alternative raw-material suppliers and explore opportunities to reduce costs in existing formulations.
• Assist in developing and implementing new technology related to capstock formulations and colors.
• Support planning, execution, data collection, and validation for assigned NPI trials and assist other engineers to gain broader manufacturing insights.
• Analyze trial results using statistical methods and document conclusions, risks, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, R&D, and other teams to advance project milestones.
• Gain exposure to manufacturing operations across WPC, railing, and PVC plants.
• Develop technical documentation demonstrating understanding of manufacturing processes and projects.
• Manage multiple priorities, provide timely project updates, and prepare technical summaries and presentations.
• Present project results to technical stakeholders and communicate key findings to senior leadership.

About You

The company is looking for:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Engineering or related discipline, with anticipated graduation between December 2027 and May 2029 (rising junior or senior).
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 and availability to work full-time for 12 weeks during summer 2027.
• Reliable transportation and authorization to work in the United States.
• Preferred candidates pursuing degrees in Chemical, Mechanical, Plastics, Polymer, Materials, Manufacturing, or related engineering fields.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with statistical analysis software such as Minitab.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-on approach to learning and skill development in manufacturing settings.
• Experience developing technical documentation and presenting to technical audiences.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay ranging from $20 to $25, depending on experience, skills, and location.
• Full-time work experience with competitive pay.
• Meaningful projects with business impact.
• Mentorship, guidance, feedback, and evaluation.
• Exposure to company culture and networking opportunities.
• Skill development opportunities.