Polymers Materials Science Intern

TE Connectivity; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

Networking opportunities

Hands-on lab experience

Job summary

TE Connectivity invites motivated students to join its Corporate Technology Center in Fremont, CA, as an internship focused on polymer materials development and processing. You will assist R&D in extrusion, compounding, and foaming, applying DOE and data analytics to optimize materials and manufacturing processes.

You will use JMP, Python, and AI tools to analyze data, document findings, and communicate results to engineers and scientists.

Qualifications

• Experience with design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis.
• Interest in data-driven engineering and materials processing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct polymer processing experiments focused on extrusion, compounding, foaming, and process development.
• Characterize polymer materials and assess how formulation and processing affect structure and properties.
• Analyze experimental data using DOE, JMP, Python, statistics, and visualization to optimize processes and drive recommendations.
• Document procedures and results, prepare technical reports and presentations, and perform literature reviews and technology scouting.
• Apply AI and advanced analytics to accelerate experimentation, enhance process understanding, and support engineering decisions.

Skills

Polymer materials

DOE

Statistics

Python

JMP

AI tools

Education

Pursuing BS/MS/PhD in Plastics Engineering or related field

Tools

JMP

Python

Job description

At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.

Segment, Business Unit or Corporate Group

This position will be part of the Corporate Technology Center (CTC) Process Design Group.

Work Location

This position is located in Fremont, CA (6900 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94555).

Job Overview

Support R&D of polymer materials and processing technologies, including extrusion, compounding, and foaming.

Conduct experiments to understand material-process-property relationships and improve materials and manufacturing processes.

Apply DOE, statistics, and data analysis to optimize processes and interpret results.

Use JMP, Python, and AI tools to analyze data and support engineering decisions. Collaborate with engineers and scientists, document work, and communicate findings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct polymer processing experiments focused on extrusion, compounding, foaming, and process development.
• Characterize polymer materials and assess how formulation and processing affect structure and properties.
• Analyze experimental data using DOE, JMP, Python, statistics, and visualization to optimize processes and drive recommendations.
• Document procedures and results, prepare technical reports and presentations, and perform literature reviews and technology scouting.
• Apply AI and advanced analytics to accelerate experimentation, enhance process understanding, and support engineering decisions.

You’re the kind of person we are looking for if you:

• Are currently pursuing a BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific field.
• Have a strong foundation in polymeric materials and polymer processing, preferably including hands-on experience with extrusion, compounding, foaming, injection molding, or related processing technologies.
• Understand material-process-property relationships and have an interest in developing and optimizing polymer materials and manufacturing processes.
• Have experience with, or a strong interest in, Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, process optimization, and data-driven engineering; experience with JMP and/or Python is preferred.
• Familiarity with AI tools, machine learning concepts, or AI-assisted engineering and data-analysis workflows is an advantage.
• Are a self-motivated, innovative problem solver who learns quickly, enjoys hands-on laboratory work, and can work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to document, analyze, and present technical results.
• Preferably have prior internship, research, laboratory, or significant academic project experience related to polymer materials, polymer processing, materials science, or manufacturing process development.

I&D

TE Connectivity and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Competencies

Values: Integrity, Accountability, Inclusion, Innovation, Teamwork

Compensation

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $26.92--$57.15/HOUR (subject to change dependent on physical location)
• Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

What TE Connectivity Internship Program Offers

TE has a robust internship program that provides our interns with an abundance of resources to feel included as part of our Team. Every summer we coordinate various educational and networking events for our interns. The TE University Relations team will be hosting virtual meetups, information sessions, tours, skill building presentations, and topping it off with National Intern Day celebration activities.

A unique employee resource group we have is the Young Professionals Employee Resource Group (ERG). This group is committed to creating a highly engaged and empowered cross-functional network of young professionals by placing high value in Professional Development, Networking Opportunities and Community Involvement to drive the success of our interns.

In addition to the ERG, we also provide our interns with complete access to our internal library of self-lead courses. These courses include academies like leadership to help the interns develop their development in becoming future leaders at our organization. To help with their professional growth, we provide access to Mentors via our NAVIGATE platform. Mentors serve as a guide to navigate the organization and provide additional support in their career endeavors at the company. Our program provides a holistic experience for interns that targets professional development and personal growth.

Our Internship Program Typically Runs May Thru August And Gives Students The Opportunity To Work On Projects That Contribute To The Success Of Their Team And Build On Their Classroom Experience. Throughout The 10-12 week Program, Interns Will Be Provided With

• Onboarding & Orientation
• Professional Development Workshops
• Networking Opportunities
• Operations Experience
• Executive Exposure

Timeline

TE Connectivity recruits on campus between September and March for New Grad (FT), Rotational, Internship and Co-op positions beginning in May. Once you have applied to a position, your resume and application will be reviewed. If you are selected to move to the next step in the application process, you will be contacted by a recruiter. Once you accept an offer, the onboarding process will begin in January for interns who have committed to offers in the fall semester and upon acceptance for interns who have committed to offers in the spring semester.