Product Development Intern Metal Packaging Spring/Summer 2027

Henkel; Madison Heights (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global networking

Online learning platform

Networking events

Ongoing feedback discussions

Social events

Job summary

Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies internship invites students in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering to work in the can sealants development lab in Michigan. You will support testing, polymer formulations, and sustainability-focused research while collaborating with R&D teams and presenting data-driven results.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, data analysis, and clear communication to cross-functional teams, with opportunities for professional growth and mentoring.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate senior or graduate degree in a related field (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering).
• Experience with analytical and physical property testing lab equipment and methodologies is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present technical work clearly.

Responsibilities

• Support can sealants development lab activities for Henkel's metal packaging products.
• Perform physical property testing and elastomer-based sealant compounding."
• Conduct research to identify sustainable, biodegradable polymers for sealant formulations.
• Gain hands-on experience with polymer compounding strategies and various chemistries.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to contribute to product innovation and performance improvements.
• Assist with data analysis and interpretation of experimental results.
• Present findings to cross‑functional teams.

Skills

Lab testing

Data interpretation

Technical communication

Education

Undergrad senior or grad student in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Mech. Eng.

Tools

Analytical equipment

Job description

At Henkel, you'll be part of an organization that's shaping the future through innovation, sustainability and collaboration. With our trusted brands like Persil®, 'all®, Loctite®, Snuggle®, and Schwarzkopf® and our cutting-edge technologies, you'll have countless opportunities to explore new paths and grow.

This position is with our Adhesive Technologies business unit - where we empower our people to transform industries and provide our customers with a competitive advantage through adhesives, sealants and functional coatings.

Dare to learn new skills, advance in your career and make an impact at Henkel.

What You’ll Do

• Work in the can sealants development lab supporting Henkel's metal packaging products
• Perform physical property testing and compounding of elastomer-based sealants
• Conduct research to identify new sustainable, biodegradable, and recyclable polymers for use in sealant formulations
• Gain hands-on experience with polymer compounding strategies and a broad range of chemistries
• Use the opportunity to learn and work with various chemistries, see how to bring them together to obtain the required properties
• Support ongoing lab activities through physical testing and data analysis
• Collaborate with R&D teams to contribute to product innovation and performance improvements

What makes you a good fit

• An undergraduate Senior or Graduate student pursuing a degree in Chemistry , Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with analytical and physical property testing lab equipment and methodologies
• Comfortable conducting independent research and drawing conclusions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confident presenting technical work to large groups and cross-functional teams
• Ability to interpret data and connect material properties to formulation outcome

Some perks of joining Henkel as an intern

• Exciting projects that allow you to make real impact and collaborate with Henkel colleagues worldwide.
• Countless learning opportunities available through Henkel's online learning platform with over 9,000 professional courses.
• Networking events with Henkel business leaders, experts and sustainability ambassadors.
• Ongoing feedback discussions throughout the internship that allow you to accomplish concrete goals.
• In-person and virtual social events to connect with other Henkel interns across the country.

Following your internship, you may be invited to join Henkel as a returning intern or full-time employee.

Additional Information

• This internship is not eligible for a housing stipend or relocation support.
• This internship has a duration of January 11th - August 13th
• Recruitment for our 2027 internships starts in September 2026 and runs through early March 2027 or until all our positions are filled
• If selected to move forward in our recruitment process, you will receive an email from our talent acquisition team
• If a position you applied to is filled by another candidate, you will receive an email from our team alerting you that the position is closed

The salary for this role is $22-$27/hour. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

Henkel is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.