Intern - Materials Science

Provides technical support and assists consultants with inspections, compositional/property testing of materials, microscopic documentation and measurements, and analysis of findings. Assist in day to day laboratory operations including test method development, equipment operation and maintenance, and data processing. Applies scientific principles, analytical methods, and the application of forensic techniques to a variety of projects. Housing not included.

A mandatory research project must be completed by the end of the Internship and is expected to require approximately 40 hours of effort. The research topic shall be mutually agreed upon between intern and supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with staff to learn equipment operations and testing techniques
• Demonstrate mastery of key laboratory techniques including:
  • Photographic documentation of artifact samples
  • Digital optical microscopy
  • Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS)
  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
  • Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
  • Laser Scanning
  • X-Ray Radiography and Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Metallographic sample preparation and machine shop tools
• Support investigative evidence inspections in the laboratory and/or field
• Prepare and review technical, project-related data packages and reports with consultants
• Assist in non-project related analyses to support laboratory development and/or research topics
• Confer with project personnel to provide technical advice and address client needs
• Communicate scientific findings in oral and written presentations

Required Work Hours:

• Internships with ESi are expected to be full-time, 40-hours per week, from Monday to Friday (Business hours are from 8am-5pm).
• If you are also enrolled in college - we require that you take no more than 2 classes during your employment semester with ESi and are able to work a minimum of 32 hours per week.

Required Skills:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in collaborative teams
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Intermediate skills with office productivity software.
• Strong laboratory skills and aptitude, with awareness of safety in a laboratory environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on experience with microscopy and photography.
• Familiarity with analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, and/or materials science testing methods and data analysis.

Experience Required:

• Completion of academic courses applicable to investigative methods and laboratory sciences.

Experience Preferred:

• Use of chemistry, chemical engineering, and/or materials science methodology to solve problems.
• Ability to prepare technical reports.

Education Required:

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree related to engineering with strong chemistry and/or materials emphasis. Must have completed at least Freshman year.

Preferred Education:

• Major in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or similar Scientific or Engineering Field
• 3.30 GPA or higher, preferred.

Position Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Must be able to travel for trips of up to three days in length.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, walk, crawl, climb and lift up to 50 lbs. Work may occasionally need to be performed at various heights, out of doors in varied climate extremes.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position includes work in a variety of environments including office, laboratory, industrial, construction and outdoors. Noise levels, temperature and weather conditions will vary according to the work environment. When appropriate employees will be required to use suitable PPE.

It is the policy of ESI, as an equal opportunity employer, to attract and retain the best qualified individuals available, without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. ESI is committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities, as well as veterans. If you need assistance with completing the electronic application, please email your request to employment@engsys.com