Summer Intern - Hardcoats Application Development

Job Title:

Summer 2027 Intern - Hardcoats

As a Hardcoats Application Development Intern at Momentive's Waterford, NY site, you will support the development and optimization of advanced hard coating technologies used in automotive and industrial applications. Working closely with R&D, quality, and manufacturing teams, you will conduct laboratory experiments, perform coating and materials testing, analyze performance data, and contribute to process improvement initiatives. You will gain hands‑on experience with application technologies, materials characterization, and product development while helping drive innovative solutions for customers.

Students pursuing degrees in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, or related fields, particularly those with coursework in coatings, materials characterization, statistical analysis, or continuous improvement, will be well‑positioned to excel in this role.

• Application Process Development:
  Operate and optimize the Ultrasonic Spray Application Machine to apply Hardcoats materials on different substrates;
  Set‑up recipes for different materials in our portfolio. Create/Update the SOP. Support the Weatherometer Data Analysis & automatization process White‑belt (Process mapping and waste identification; continuous improvement; and Awareness of efficiency, quality, and variability reduction).
• R&D and Customer Support – Routine Analysis Conduct wet chemistry experiments (e.g., Flow Coating, Spray Coating and Dip Coating) and physical property testing (e.g., hardness, abrasion resistance and coating thickness) Document and standardize experimental data for internal databases Collaborate with cross‑functional teams in R&D, quality, and manufacturing Maintain a clean and organized lab environment, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and equipment calibration schedules.
• Contribute to technical reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations for process improvements.

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, or related field.
• Comfortable working in a wet lab environment and with coating test methods.
• Teamwork and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with statistical data analysis and data management platforms (e.g., Excel, SharePoint).
• Prior experience in coating processes, polymer characterization, or data analysis is preferred and would be a strong asset.

The candidate must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of application and for at least one semester following the conclusion of the internship. The candidate is expected to be available 40 hours a week for a period of 10-12 weeks between the months of May and August.

Base Pay Range: $22.00 - $26.00 The base salary offered is determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, skill sets, and geography.

At Momentive, we value your well‑being and offer competitive total rewards and development programs.

Momentive is a premier global advanced materials company with a cutting‑edge focus on silicones and specialty products. We deliver solutions designed to help propel our customer’s products forward—products that have a profound impact on all aspects of life, around the clock and from living rooms to outer space. With every innovation, Momentive creates a more sustainable future. Our vast product portfolio is made up of advanced silicones and specialty solutions that play an essential role in driving performance across a multitude of industries, including agriculture, automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, healthcare, personal care,…