Product Development Intern (Auto)

Tesa SE; Sparta Township, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

tesa SE is seeking a Product Development Intern to join the Automotive business unit and collaborate with the Product Development team from May 17 to August 13, 2027. There is a possibility to extend part-time until the end of 2026, offering hands-on experience in a multinational R&D environment.

You will qualify materials, develop PSA tape prototypes, test and analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and support production-scale activities while gaining exposure to cross-functional teams and new

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with at least 30 credit hours.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Must be able to stand at workstation and move around the facility.

Responsibilities

• Qualify additional raw materials in partnership with Supply Chain.
• Create PSA tape prototypes via lab or pilot coating.
• Test prototypes using lab instruments, analyze data and draw conclusions.
• Conduct technical troubleshooting and recommend solutions.
• Support scale-up activities during production trials.
• Conduct feasibility studies for high-performance PSA tapes.
• Identify high-performance, cost-effective adhesive options for implementation.
• Perform basic testing for customers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

MS Office

Communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Time management

Cross-functional teamwork

Independent work

Written communication

Education

Pursuing Bachelor's degree in Engineering / Materials Science / Chemistry / Industrial Design

Job description

Are you ready to revolutionize tape with us? At tesa, we're not just colleagues; we're collaborators who thrive on pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Our mission is to create sustainable adhesive solutions that improve the work, products, and lives of our customers – we're passionate about making a difference! We are looking for a Product Development Intern to support our Automotive business unit (BU) and work alongside our Product Development team from May 17th – August 13th, 2027; with the possibility of extending part time until the end of 2026. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in a multinational company with a focus on Research & Development.

How you’ll help the formula:

• Qualify additional raw materials in partnership with Supply Chain to ensure the most cost-effective options.
• Create PSA tape prototypes through lab and/or pilot coating.
• Test prototypes using laboratory instruments, analyze data, and draw conclusions.
• Conduct technical troubleshooting and recommend solutions and next steps.
• Support scale‑up activities during production trials as needed.
• Conduct feasibility studies for high‑performance PSA tapes.
• Identify high‑performance, cost‑effective adhesive options for implementation.
• Perform basic physical and application testing for customers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key elements for your role:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Product Development, Materials Science, Chemistry, Industrial Design, or a related field with at least 30+ credit hours.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Must be able to stand at workstation and/or move throughout the facility most of the day.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within cross‑functional teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to Gand Rapids to participate in different internship program initiatives (and possibly Novi once or twice); up to 20%.
• Requires normal lifting, use of both hands and correctable vision.
• Must be a US citizen.

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous internship, project, laboratory, or research experience.
• Experience with data analysis, product testing, or process improvement.
• Interest in industrial, manufacturing, automotive, or consumer product applications.
• Experience presenting project findings or recommendations.

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