R&D Co-op: Coatings Process & CI (Jan 2026)

Wayne State University; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Columbus hosts a January 2026 R&D Commercialization Co‑Op for six months, onsite with potential extension. You will work under a mentor in the Sherwin‑Williams R&D Performance Coatings Group/Commercialization team, gaining knowledge in process engineering, manufacturing, LEAN, and Six Sigma.

Responsibilities include supporting technicians and scientists, maintaining equipment, performing lab tasks, and documenting results for integrity and future use.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in one of the specified fields.
• Must be at least eighteen years old and legally authorized to work without sponsorship.
• Willing to work up to 40 hours per week for 6 months.
• Currently holding a minimum 2.8 GPA.
• Be a rising or current sophomore, junior or senior at the start of the Co-Op.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to technicians, chemists, and scientists in the R&D group.
• Perform and support processing equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Execute lab tasks with general instruments and advanced equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D team members for process chemistry and material science tasks.
• Document research, calculations, data analysis, and present results to supervisor.
• Prepare basic samples, materials, and tools for tests or development.
• Carry out technical development, tests, analyses, and experiments per project.
• Complete forms and documentation for research processes and reports.
• Perform basic calculations to support tests and conclusions.
• Clean, maintain, and calibrate standard equipment; keep a safe workspace.
• Adhere to safety protocols and perform other duties as assigned.
• Participation may involve access to confidential information and background checks.

Skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree program in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, or Polymer Science

Be a rising or current sophomore, junior or senior at start of Co-Op

GPA 2.8 minimum

Tools

MS Office

Business Objects

Statistical software

Job description

Wayne State University in Columbus hosts a January 2026 R&D Commercialization Co‑Op for six months, onsite with potential extension. You will work under a mentor in the Sherwin‑Williams R&D Performance Coatings Group/Commercialization team, gaining knowledge in process engineering, manufacturing, LEAN, and Six Sigma.

Responsibilities include supporting technicians and scientists, maintaining equipment, performing lab tasks, and documenting results for integrity and future use.