Product Development Engineer - Intern Summer 2027

RTP Company; Winona (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

RTP Company, headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, invites a Product Development Engineer Intern to assist the R&D Engineering team with thermoplastic compounding, injection molding, and testing. This full-time summer position offers hands-on design and testing experience within a global plastics company.

Ideal candidates are 2nd or 3rd year engineering students with interest in composites or plastics, strong problem-solving and written/verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing 2nd or 3rd year in an engineering field with interest in plastics/composites.
• Preference for majors such as Composite Materials Engineering, Plastics/Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
• Detail oriented with the ability to follow written procedures.
• Strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support product development efforts related to thermoplastic compounding, injection molding, and mechanical/physical property testing.
• Recommend process improvements based on analysis and maintain compliance with work standards and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned and assist the R&D Engineering team as needed.

Skills

Independent & Teamwork

Compliance with policies

Attendance essential

English communication

Education

Engineering major (2nd/3rd year)

Job description

Brief Description

The Product Development Engineer Intern works closely with the R&D Engineering team to support product development efforts in all areas.

Work Schedule

• Full Time, Days - Monday through Friday (summer schedule)
• Option for local interns to work PT during the 2027-2028 schoolyear

Responsibilities

• Support product development efforts related to:
  • Thermoplastic compounding
  • Injection molding
  • Mechanical and physical property testing
  • Other testing and project work as necessary
• Recommend process improvements based on analysis.
• Maintain compliance with all work standards, company policies, and procedures.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned, or apparent.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to comply with all work standards, company policies and procedures.
• Attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Education And Experience

• Completed 2nd or 3rd year of higher education, students with Composite Materials Engineering, Plastics or Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science major preferred.
• Willingness to learn RTP Company business, process, and quality assurance techniques.
• Detail oriented and has the ability to follow written procedures.
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Good organizational skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be a self-starter.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

CONTACTS: Internal – Continuously (67 - 100%) External – Rarely (1 – 6%) Contacts involve giving or exchanging information of a limited controversial nature.

Regularly

• Communicates via phone, email, in person, or video
• Required to sit, perform keyboard work, for prolonged periods of time
• Proper personal safety equipment is to be used while performing this job as pointed out by plant safety procedures, such as safety glasses, shoes, face shield, gloves, etc.
• Operates a computer and other office equipment such as a copy machine and printer.

Occasionally

• Lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
• Exposed to hazardous materials as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communication standard.

Other

• Standard office environment. The noise level is typically low to moderate, due to office equipment.
• Specific vision abilities may require close vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Manual Dexterity: Repeatedly required to walk, bend, reach, twist, turn and stand, climb stairs, sit in one place for extended periods of time. Use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk, hear, and see.

Summary

RTP Company, headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, is a global compounder of custom engineered thermoplastics. The company has over 20 manufacturing plants located in the United States, Mexico, Europe, Singapore and China. RTP Company's engineers develop customized thermoplastic compounds in over 60 different engineering resin systems for applications requiring color, conductive, elastomeric, flame retardant, high temperature, structural, and wear-resistant properties.

EOE, including disability/vets; All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.