Scientist Intern (SA Lab) Spring 2027

Default Brand; Northwood (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

NSG Group/Pilkington in Northwood, IA seeks an undergraduate student to support the SA Lab team with sample preparation, analysis, and documentation. You will operate delicate lab instruments, prepare materials for FAAS analysis, and help maintain 5S and safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates are pursuing a science or engineering degree with hands-on technical skills, strong analytical abilities, and teamwork mindset.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in a scientific or engineering field.
• Hands-on technical skills with laboratory equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving aptitude.
• Ability to work in team environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication.
• Commitment to safe and ethical behavior.

Responsibilities

• Independently operate SA Lab equipment such as Lambda 1050 Spectrophotometer, Haze Gard, Colorsphere, FTIR, Four Point Probe and Profilometer.
• Prepare samples for FAAS analysis and analyze coating defects as requested.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records in accordance with ISO9001:2000 standards.
• Maintain 5S in the SA Lab and follow safety procedures.
• Attend plant trials near Northwood and deliver samples to the lab when required.
• Report laboratory equipment problems and suggest process improvements.

Skills

Hands-on skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in science/engineering

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The purpose of this position is to support the SA Lab staff as they complete the analysis of samples prepared by the TFT- Team. Support will include preparing samples for analysis; completing the analysis; preparing documents or spreadsheets required to present the information collected; and finally storing the samples for easy retrieval in the future. The successful candidate will be flexible as duties can change quickly and able to multitask as many of the tasks can be run simultaneously.

Essential Functions:

• Independently operate fragile SA Lab equipment, Lambda 1050 Spectrophotometer, Haze Gard, Colorsphere, FTIR, Four Point Probe, and Profilometer.
• Samples may include CVD coated products, plant trial samples, customer generated samples and standard products from stores.
• Make suggestions for improved operation of using equipment.
• Report laboratory equipment problems
• Follow procedure to prepare samples for FAAS analysis.
• Adhere to SOP’s developed for SA Lab equipment.
• Continuously explore ways to improve safety of all aspects of SA Lab operation.
• Safely handle chemicals according to SDS standards
• Maintain 5S in the SA Lab
• Maintain accurate and detailed records (e.g., laboratory notebook and documents) in accordance with ISO9001:2000 standards.
• Analyze coating defects submitted by Manufacturing or Sales & Marketing as requested.
• Participant in weekly MSC analysis and enter into ERS as directed
• Characterize CVD coated glass samples using Development Center instruments.
• Be available to attend plant trials if close to Northwood.
• Deliver samples to SA Lab during trial.
• Help wherever possible in cold end; following requests of Lab personnel.
• Adherence to NSG/Pilkington Standards of Business Conduct and its Values and Principles
• Other duties as assigned by manager

Top 3 Competencies Needed for Success in the Role:

• Passion for Excellence
• Customer Focused
• Safety and Quality Focused

Qualifications Required:

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in a scientific or engineering field
• Demonstrated hands‑on technical skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving aptitude
• Ability to work in team environments
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Demonstrated commitment to safe and ethical behavior

Qualifications Desired:

• Experience in industrial laboratory environment
• Experience with handling hazardous chemicals
• Self‑starter with strong desire for learning and improvement

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NSG Group/Pilkington is an equal opportunity employer; M/F/D/V encouraged to apply. Qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. Applicants have the option to confidentially self-identify or not self-identify when applying.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

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.