Research Engineering Co-Op: Lab Prototyping & Trials

Appvion, Inc.; Appleton (WI); Hybrid; USD 24,797,000 - 38,573,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Onsite fitness center

Shoe voucher

Job summary

Appvion, Inc. is seeking a Research Engineering Co-Op (Temporary, Part Time) to contribute to the development of new products and technologies in the lab and manufacturing environment. You will generate prototypes, evaluate materials, perform testing, and support production trials under mentor guidance.

You will work on direct thermal products and specialty coatings, collaborating with research personnel to ensure project success while balancing multiple projects and maintaining lab safety.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate experience in relevant science/engineering fields.
• Commitment to lab safety when using chemicals and equipment.
• Strong communication skills to update colleagues on trial and lab results.
• Ability to apply scientific and engineering principles in a lab setting.
• Adaptable and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated curiosity with a strong eye for detail.

Responsibilities

• Generate and screen lab prototypes to support product and technology development projects.
• Perform new material evaluations and help enhance existing products within the direct thermal portfolio.
• Conduct advanced product testing, develop new test methods, and train technicians when needed.
• Lead or support production trials, reporting results accurately and in a timely manner.
• Collaborate closely with mentors and research personnel to ensure project success.

Skills

Self-motivated curiosity

Strong communication

Lab principles application

Adaptable to multiple projects

Attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate study: Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Bio-Based Products Eng, Materials Science & Engineering, or Chemistry

Job description

Research Engineering Co-Op – Lab & Manufacturing Experience

Your Impact

As a Research Engineering Co-Op at Appvion, you’ll contribute directly to the development of new products and innovative technologies. You will own projects under the guidance of a senior engineer or scientist, generating lab prototypes, evaluating materials, performing advanced product testing, and supporting production trials. Your work will help shape our portfolio of direct thermal products and other specialty coatings that touch consumers’ everyday lives.

Job Snapshot

• Position Type: Temporary, Part Time
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday during normal business hours (occasional nights/weekends as needed)
• Benefits: Housing stipend ($500/month), access to onsite fitness center, $150 voucher for steel-toe shoes

What You'll Be Doing

• Generate and screen lab prototypes to support product and technology development projects
• Perform new material evaluations and help enhance existing products within the direct thermal portfolio
• Conduct advanced product testing, develop new test methods, and train technicians when needed
• Lead or support production trials, reporting results accurately and in a timely manner
• Collaborate closely with mentors and research personnel to ensure project success

What You'll Bring

• At least 1 year of undergraduate experience in Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Bio-Based Products Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Chemistry
• Self-motivated curiosity and a strong eye for detail
• Ability to apply scientific and engineering principles in a lab setting
• Commitment to lab safety when using chemicals and equipment
• Strong communication skills to update colleagues on trial and lab results
• Adaptable, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Who Is Appvion?

We are the North American leader in specialty and high-performance coatings for thermal label and film applications.

Founded in 1907, Appvion innovates sustainable specialty coating solutions that are a part of many tickets, tags, labels, and packages consumers touch daily. Our solutions leverage a unique blend of proprietary processes and technical expertise to provide crisp imaging, which ensures reliable barcode scannability and consistent image quality for pressure-sensitive and non-pressure-sensitive applications. Appvion brands include Resiste®, Alpha®, PolyTherm®, Royale®, and OPTIMA®.

What We Offer You

• Co-Ops are eligible for the following benefits:
• Housing stipend of $500 / month.
• Complimentary access to our 24/7, onsite fitness center.
• $150 voucher toward the purchase of steel-toe shoes upon acceptance of employment.

Appvion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact human resources at [e-mail].

#Appvion

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.