R&D Intern

HB Fuller; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

H.B. Fuller in South Bend, IN seeks an R&D Intern to support product development through material evaluation, formulation, and testing. You’ll gain hands-on polymer tech experience and collaborate with scientists and teams on day-to-day initiatives.

The 12-week paid internship runs from late May to mid-August, with orientation, networking events, and a final presentation. Opportunities for future roles are highlighted within a supportive mentorship structure.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Previous laboratory, research, or hands-on coursework experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work on your feet in lab/manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and characterize raw materials to support product development and testing.
• Prepare laboratory formulations and samples for analytical and performance testing.
• Conduct testing using standard laboratory methods and instrumentation.
• Research materials to understand impact on performance and processing.
• Support scientists and staff in product development, service, and projects.
• Observe production trials and help optimize manufacturing parameters.
• Prepare technical summaries and communicate findings to teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Materials Science/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller's (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2025 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,100 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in 150 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

What you can expect from H.B. Fuller's Internship Program:

You'll be joining a cohort of talented students from a variety of schools across the U.S. We hire interns in the following positions: Process Engineering, R&D, Strategic Sourcing, Technical Sales, Supply Chain, Product Marketing, Information Technology, and more.

The projects we task our interns to lead are impactful and meaningful to our organization. You'll be supported by your Manager and Mentor to gain in-depth knowledge of the adhesive industry and collaborate with various departments and functions. We also offer an established path for next-level opportunities - making this internship the starting point for a long-term career path.

Location: South Bend, IN

Department: Research & Development

Our Internship Experience includes:

• 12-week paid program beginning the end of May to mid-August to gain insight and knowledge in your field.
• Interactive orientation and events with skilled professionals in your field, including managers, directors, and CEO.
• Multiple networking, volunteer and fun events - both virtual and in-person.
• Impactful projects that make a difference internally and externally for H.B. Fuller.
• End of summer final presentation to showcase your career development with support from managers and peers.

Position Overview

The R&D Intern will support research and development activities focused on investigating and validating a new product application. This project-based internship will involve evaluating a variety of raw materials, formulating laboratory samples, and analyzing product performance using a range of physical testing methods and analytical instrumentation. Throughout the internship, the individual will gain hands-on experience with polymer technologies, material characterization, and the product development process. In addition to the primary project, the intern will support ongoing laboratory activities and collaborate with scientists and technical teams on day-to-day research and development initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Evaluate and characterize raw materials to support product development and application testing.
• Prepare laboratory formulations and samples for analytical, physical, and performance testing.
• Conduct testing using standard laboratory methods and instrumentation, accurately documenting and analyzing results.
• Research raw materials and formulation components to better understand their impact on product performance and processing characteristics.
• Support scientists and technical staff in ongoing product development, technical service, and commercialization projects.
• Observe and assist with production trials of newly developed materials, helping to evaluate and optimize manufacturing and processing parameters.
• Prepare technical summaries, organize experimental data, and communicate findings to project teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Previous laboratory, research, or hands-on coursework experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work on your feet for extended periods in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.

The salary for this role is $22-$25 per hour.

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.