Material Engineer Intern

JOB SUMMARY

At S&C Electric Company , a 100% employee-owned company, we help keep the lights on for people and businesses worldwide. Our manufacturing roles build the equipment that protects the critical infrastructure of the power grid, and each of our team members lends their unique skills to this crucial mission. We empower our people by providing pathways to a long-term career and support them in their professional growth by sustaining a culture founded on respect, strengthened by collaboration, and measured by our shared successes. The manufacturing industry is booming with opportunities to learn new things, expand your skills, and build a long-term career.

Join S&C to make an impact on tomorrow’s energy challenges and become an employee-owner!

Available Shift:

1st shift: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday

Full-Time Fall 2026 Internship

At S&C, we are dedicated to providing competitive and equitable compensation for all our team members, and we are committed to transparency in our pay practices. The estimated per hourly range for this position is $22 - 30 per hour based on experience.

Competitive Weekly Pay Period

Analytical Services is responsible for material testing and insuring conformance to applicable material specifications and periodically reviewing material specifications for accuracy. The intern candidate would work in the Analytical lab, report to the Assistant Manager of Analytical Services, and be located at S&C Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Materials Testing & Analysis : Support the Analytical Services team by performing laboratory testing and characterization of metallic, polymeric, and composite materials used throughout S&C products and operations. Assist with sample preparation, testing, data collection, and interpretation of results using a variety of analytical techniques and laboratory equipment. Work alongside engineers, chemists, and technologists to evaluate material conformance to specifications and investigate material-related issues.

- Failure Analysis & Engineering Support: Assist with failure analysis investigations involving metals, plastics, rubber materials, coatings, and assemblies. Participate in root cause investigations by examining components, documenting observations, collecting test data, and supporting development of technical conclusions that help improve product reliability and manufacturing processes.

- Analytical Instrumentation Support: Gain hands-on experience operating and supporting advanced laboratory instrumentation such as microscopes, hardness testers, FTIR, XRF, DSC, DMA, TGA, TMA, SEM/EDS, viscometers, and other analytical equipment. Assist with equipment setup, sample testing, data collection, and maintenance activities while learning laboratory best practices and test methodologies.

- Data Analysis & Technical Reporting: Compile and analyze laboratory data, generate charts and summaries, and assist in preparing technical reports and presentations for engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, product development, and quality assurance teams. Support clear communication of test results and recommendations to internal stakeholders.

- Continuous Improvement Projects: Participate in laboratory process improvement initiatives focused on improving testing efficiency, turnaround time, data quality, standardization, and workflow optimization. Assist with documentation updates, test method development, validation activities, and implementation of Lean or continuous improvement practices within the laboratory environment.

- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, New Product Development, Quality Assurance, and other functional groups to provide analytical support for new product development, supplier qualification, incoming material evaluation, manufacturing troubleshooting, and quality improvement initiatives. This role provides broad exposure to how analytical laboratory services support business operations across S&C.

- Compliance: Understand and comply with all applicable Company policies, safety requirements, laboratory practices, and quality system expectations.

To select this job as one of interest to you, at a minimum, you must have the following:

- In-progress degree program from an accredited university/college program with a concentration in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline and returning to school full-time after the work session.

MAJOR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

- Frequently you are required to remain in a stationary position and perform desk-based work approximately [5] days per work week.

- Occasionally required to walk moderate distances, “multiple times each week”.

- Frequently required to use hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to prepare samples, operate laboratory equipment, use microscopes, handle small components, and perform computer-based analysis and reporting.

- Occasionally ascending or descending ladders/stairs/scaffolding/ramps/poles.

- Frequently required to observe details at close range, including microscope work, material surface evaluation, color differentiation, depth perception, and visual identification of metallurgical or coating conditions.

- Continuously required to talk and hear, or otherwise, in person and by phone/conference calls.

- Occasionally required to travel to manufacturing areas, supplier locations, training, or other company facilities as business needs require.

Environmental and Hazardous Conditions:

- Continuously working indoors in an office, analytical laboratory, and manufacturing-support environment.

- Frequently exposed to laboratory chemicals, etchants, fumes, vapors, dust, oils, greases, sharp materials, heated surfaces, and other materials or conditions associated with metallurgical sample preparation and analytical testing.

- Frequently exposed to moderate noise levels from laboratory equipment, sample preparation equipment, manufacturing areas, and general office or lab activity.

- Occasionally working around energized equipment with the risk of electrocution/scalding/burns/other etc.

- Infrequently exposed to wet, humid, hot, or cold conditions when supporting manufacturing, supplier, or facilities-related investigations.

- Occasionally working with or near laboratory equipment with moving parts, cutting or grinding equipment, mounted samples, sharp objects, and manufacturing equipment while following required safety practices and personal protective equipment requirements.

Ready to make an impact and become an employee-owner? Apply now to join our inclusive and innovative team! Explore open positions.

S&C Electric is committed to equal-opportunity employment. All employees and applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to complete the application, please email us at [email protected] .