R&D Materials Development PhD Intern

TE Connectivity; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

TE Connectivity's Polymer and Composites group in Fremont, California is seeking a Materials Development R&D Intern for Summer 2027. The role involves hands-on lab work, formulation, and materials characterization for TE’s products.

You will assist in developing functional polymeric materials, with exposure to extrusion, injection molding, and printing processes, and will contribute to literature reviews and technical reporting in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Ph.D., preferably in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge in polymer chemistry and polymer composites including processing techniques.
• Experience with chemical and material characterization tools (FTIR, SEM/EDS, MS, DSC, TGA, Instron, rheology).
• Good written and oral communication skills; able to work independently in a lab.

Responsibilities

• Support ongoing R&D projects in developing functional polymeric and composite materials.
• Contribute to areas such as thermoplastic composites, elastomers, and sealants/adhesives.
• Assist in formulation development and application testing.
• Conduct chemical and mechanical analysis of new polymeric formulations.
• Document experimental data, generate reports, and present results at group meetings.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Polymer composites

Processing techniques

Lab skills

Self-motivated

Education

PhD candidate

Tools

FTIR

SEM/EDS

MS

DSC

TGA

Instron

Rheology

Job description

At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.

Connections matter. Make yours here. TE Connectivity is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. Our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, renewable energy, automated factories, data centers, medical technology and more. With more than 85,000 employees. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

Segment, Business Unit or Corporate Group

This position will be part of the GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY

Work Location

The location for this 6900 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA

Job Overview

The Polymer and Composites group within the Corporate Technology Center of TE Connectivity, located in Fremont, California is seeking applications for a Materials Development R&D Intern for Summer 2027. TE Connectivity is the home of well‑known brands of electric and electronic components for various applications including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, sensors, etc.The Polymer and Composites group develops new high-performance materials such as sealants and adhesives, polymer composites, and functional liquid inks/pastes, as well as their relevant processes such as extrusion, injection molding, and printing for use throughout TE’s many business sectors. The applicant will perform hands‑on work in a lab environment, assisting in materials formulation and materials characterization for TE’s products.

Responsibilities

At TE Connectivity, you’ll be part of a global collaborative culture where your innovative approach and actions have the potential to transform the world of tomorrow. In this role you’ll:

• Support ongoing R&D projects in development of novel functional polymeric and composite materials, for example in the areas of:
• Thermoplastic composites, elastomers, sealants adhesives/coatings
• With functionality such as high voltage/temperature performance, flame retardancy, electrical conductivity, etc.
• With processability such as injection molding, extrusion, spray coating/ink printing
• Assist in formulation development and application testing.
• Assist in the chemical and mechanical analysis of new polymeric material formulations.
• Conduct literature search, document experimental data, generate technical reports, and present results at group meetings.

You’re the kind of person we are looking for if you:

Pursuing a Ph.D., preferably in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field of study.

• Strong knowledge in polymer chemistry and polymer composites including processing techniques.
• Strong knowledge of chemical and material characterization such as FTIR, SEM/EDS, MS, DSC, TGA, Instron, and rheology.
• Has a good fundamental understanding of polymer structure-property relationships, and polymer interactions with additives.
• Highly self‑motivated individual able to learn quickly and work independently in the lab.
• Hands‑on experience in a laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to define a problem and develop multiple approaches to obtain a successful solution.
• Ability to deliver given tasks on time and work efficiently within a team environment.
• Good written and oral communication skills.

I&D

TE Connectivity and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Competencies

Values: Integrity, Accountability, Inclusion, Teamwork, Innovation

Competencies

Values: Integrity, Accountability, Inclusion, Innovation, Teamwork

Compensation

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $37.29 – 57.15/hour (subject to change dependent on physical location)
• Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

What TE Connectivity Internship Program Offers

TE has a robust internship program that provides our interns with an abundance of resources to feel included as part of our Team. Every summer we coordinate various educational and networking events for our interns. The TE University Relations team will be hosting virtual meetups, information sessions, tours, skill building presentations, and topping it off with National Intern Day celebration activities.

A unique employee resource group we have is the Young Professionals Employee Resource Group (ERG). This group is committed to creating a highly engaged and empowered cross‑functional network of young professionals by placing high value in Professional Development, Networking Opportunities and Community Involvement to drive the success of our interns.

In addition to the ERG, we also provide our interns with complete access to our internal library of self‑lead courses. These courses include academies like leadership to help the interns develop their development in becoming future leaders at our organization. To help with their professional growth, we provide access to Mentors via our NAVIGATE platform. Mentors serve as a guide to navigate the organization and provide additional support in their career endeavors at the company. Our program provides a holistic experience for interns that targets professional development and personal growth.

Our program provides a holistic experience for interns that targets professional development and personal growth. Our Internship Program Typically Runs May Thru August And Gives Students The Opportunity To Work On Projects That Contribute To The Success Of Their Team And Build On Their Classroom Experience. Throughout The 10–12‑week Program, Interns Will Be Provided With

• Onboarding & Orientation
• Professional Development Workshops
• Networking Opportunities
• Operations Experience
• Executive Exposure

Timeline

TE Connectivity recruits on campus between September and March for New Grad (FT), Rotational, Internship and Co‑op positions beginning in May. Once you have applied to a position, your resume and application will be reviewed. If you are selected to move to the next step in the application process, you will be contacted by a recruiter. Once you accept an offer, the onboarding process will begin in January for interns who have committed to offers in the fall semester and upon acceptance for interns who have committed to offers in the spring semester.