Raw Material Lab Engineer Intern-Bilingual

Canadian Solar Inc.; Mesquite (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Canadian Solar Inc. seeks a Raw Material Laboratory Engineer (Research Intern) to support advanced material research and characterization. The role emphasizes experimental design, data analysis, and research-driven testing for product development and reliability assessments.

Master’s or PhD candidates will work with engineering and quality teams; outstanding interns may be considered for full-time roles after graduation.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related field.
• Strong academic background in materials research, experimental methods, or applied statistics.
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical data analysis concepts.
• Ability to work independently on research tasks with technical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute DOE to evaluate raw material performance, variability, and aging behavior.
• Define experimental factors, responses, and controls based on objectives and material science principles.
• Conduct root-cause investigations for material performance deviations or failures.
• Perform advanced laboratory testing on raw materials (polymers, sealants, metals, glass, coatings) under defined conditions.
• Support material characterization such as curing behavior, mechanical properties, thermal aging, and environmental exposure effects.
• Operate laboratory equipment under supervision and contribute to test method optimization.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and DOE tools.
• Prepare technical reports, charts, and presentations for internal reviews.

Skills

DOE

Statistical analysis

Independent worker

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master’s or PhD in Materials Science / Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Position Title: Raw Material Laboratory Engineer (Research Intern)

Department: Quality Technical / Reliability Laboratory

Description:

The Raw Material Laboratory Engineer (Research Intern) supports advanced material research and characterization activities focused on understanding raw material performance, degradation mechanisms, and process sensitivity. This role is designed for Master’s or PhD students and emphasizes experimental design (DOE), data analysis, and research‑driven testing rather than routine inspection. The intern will work closely with engineering and quality teams to generate data that supports product development, supplier evaluation, and reliability assessments. Outstanding performance during the internship may lead to consideration for a full‑time position upon graduation.

Responsibilities

Research & Experimental Design

• Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to evaluate raw material performance, variability, and aging behavior
• Define experimental factors, responses, and controls based on research objectives and material science principles
• Conduct root‑cause investigations for material performance deviations or failures

Material Testing & Characterization

• Perform advanced laboratory testing on raw materials (e.g., polymers, sealants, metals, glass, coatings) under defined conditions
• Support material characterization such as curing behavior, mechanical properties, thermal aging, and environmental exposure effects
• Operate laboratory equipment under supervision and contribute to test method optimization

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and DOE tools
• Interpret results and translate data into technical conclusions and recommendations
• Prepare technical reports, charts, and presentations for internal engineering and quality reviews

Method Development & Improvement

• Assist in development, validation, and refinement of test methods and research protocols
• Support correlation studies between laboratory results and field or production data
• Contribute to standardization of experimental approaches across materials or suppliers

Quality System & Documentation

• Conduct research activities in compliance with laboratory quality systems (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001 principles)
• Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and data integrity for research experiments
• Follow laboratory safety, risk assessment, and equipment usage requirements
• Collaborate with raw material engineers, reliability engineers, and supplier quality teams
• Support technical discussions with internal stakeholders or suppliers when needed
• Actively learn laboratory best practices, material standards, and research methodologies

Qualifications

Required

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field
• Strong academic background in materials research, experimental methods, or applied statistics
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical data analysis concepts
• Ability to work independently on research tasks with technical guidance

Preferred

• Hands‑on laboratory research experience (academic or industry)
• Experience with statistical or DOE software (e.g., Minitab, JMP, Python, MATLAB)
• Familiarity with material testing standards (ASTM, ISO, IEC)
• Experience researching polymers, sealants, or raw materials used in manufacturing
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Research mindset with attention to experimental rigor and data integrity
• Technical writing and presentation skills
• Effective collaboration and communication with cross‑functional teams
• Research laboratory environment with controlled testing conditions
• Requires handling of material samples and laboratory equipment
• Compliance with laboratory safety and PPE requirements

Internship Outcomes (Research Focus)

• Apply DOE to real‑world material engineering problems
• Develop advanced skills in material characterization and data interpretation
• Gain exposure to industrial laboratory quality systems and decision‑making
• Produce research outputs that support material selection, supplier qualification, or reliability improvement

Note: The company reserves the right to change the duties and responsibilities of this position at any time as its own discretion.

Canadian Solar Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities by identifying, removing and preventing barriers to promote the rights of all persons and to create an inclusive and accessible working environment.

Upon individual request, Canadian Solar will endeavor to remove any barrier to the hiring process to accommodate those candidates with disabilities.