Product Development Intern (AWP)

tesa tape, inc.; Sparta (MI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

tesa, a global adhesives leader, is seeking a Product Development Intern to support the Air & Waterproofing BU from May 17th to August 13th, 2027. The internship will be based in Sparta, Michigan, with travel to Grand Rapids and Novi as needed, up to 20% of the time, in a multinational R&D setting.

This role offers hands-on experience translating customer needs into measurable specs, developing prototypes, and supporting scale-up activities within a collaborative product development team.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field with at least 60 credit hours.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing 1–2 new product development products for the AWP line.
• Translate customer needs into quantitative and qualitative measures for gate decisions.
• Develop and evaluate prototypes and support scale-up activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

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 Air & Waterproofing (AWP) business unit (BU) and work alongside our Product Developmentteam from May 17th - August 13th, 2027. 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:

• Assist in the development of one to two new product development products for the AWP business to enable successful product launches.
  • Work with the marketing and product development teams to translate customer needs into quantitative and qualitive measures that can be used for gate decisions.
• Development and evaluation of product prototypes and support of product scale‑up activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key elements for your role:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related fieldwith at least 60+ 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 priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel from Sparta 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.

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.