R&D Intern

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies S.a.s. di Externa Italia S.r.l.u.; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

Freudenberg Performance Materials LP (USA) seeks a student-intern to assist with pilot line trials, produce and test samples, and evaluate material performance. You will perform compression and cold-temperature tests, collect and interpret data, and contribute to cost-optimization opportunities.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab/manufacturing experience, data-driven analysis, and collaboration with the R&D team to drive product development outcomes.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Sciences, or a related field.
• Rising Junior or Senior preferred; exceptional Sophomore candidates will be considered.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret technical data.
• Interest in product development, materials science, and hands-on laboratory or manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with pilot line trials to evaluate product performance and material optimization opportunities.
• Produce and test samples using various polymer formulations and additive concentrations.
• Conduct compression resistance and cold-temperature performance testing on product samples.
• Analyze, chart, and interpret test data to identify performance and cost improvement opportunities.
• Present findings and recommendations to the R&D team upon project completion.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Data interpretation

Interest in product development

Education

Polymer Science / Mechanical Engineering / Textile Sciences (relevant field)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Assist with pilot line trials to evaluate product performance and material optimization opportunities.
• Produce and test samples using various polymer formulations and additive concentrations.
• Conduct compression resistance and cold-temperature performance testing on product samples.
• Analyze, chart, and interpret test data to identify performance and cost improvement opportunities.
• Present findings and recommendations to the R&D team upon project completion.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Sciences, or a related field.
• Rising Junior or Senior preferred; exceptional Sophomore candidates will be considered.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret technical data.
• Interest in product development, materials science, and hands-on laboratory or manufacturing environments.

$23 per hour

Compensation for this position will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, education, and overall alignment with the role's responsibilities.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Freudenberg Performance Materials LP (USA)