Engineering Intern; Metallurgical​/Mineral Processing​/Chemical

Engineering Intern (Metallurgical / Mineral Processing / Chemical) – Multiple Openings

Location: State College, PA (on-site)

Pay: $25–$35 per hour, commensurate with education and experience

Type: Part‑time during academic terms; full‑time temporary positions available (hourly, non‑exempt)

Terms: Summer 2026 and/or Fall 2026; start and end dates flexible

Work authorization: No visa sponsorship. CPT/OPT‑eligible students are encouraged to apply for this part‑time, off‑campus position; the company assists in meeting program requirements.

Intel‑E‑Waste is hiring engineering interns to support the experimental program at the core of our process development work. This hands‑on laboratory role is in a small, funded, patent‑backed startup: interns prepare and characterize samples, operate equipment, and collect and analyze data that feeds directly into decisions about what the company builds next. Interns work alongside and report directly to the Process Development Engineer and Managing Director.

Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome; M.S. and Ph.D. students whose research involves materials processing, separation, characterization, or related areas are especially encouraged.

Intel‑E‑Waste is the fastest‑growing waste stream on the planet and is expected to more than double by 2050. Every discarded phone, laptop, and solar panel contains copper, gold, silver, lithium, and other critical materials that are essential to the clean‑energy economy. The company, founded by a research team with deep expertise in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, developed and patented a low‑cost, heat‑free, zero‑waste process that selectively separates multiple critical materials from e‑waste.

The technology is validated, and the team is now turning proven processes into scalable, deployable physical systems. Interns contribute directly to the experimental program driving that transition.

• Laboratory Experiment Support and Sample Preparation (~40% of time, daily):
  Assist in the execution of laboratory experiments, including sample preparation, characterization, and physical and chemical separation tasks. Support equipment operation under the direction of the Process Development Engineer. Follow established experimental protocols accurately and consistently. Assist with setup, adjustment, and teardown of experiments, and contribute to general lab organization.
• Data Analysis and Reporting Support (~30% of time, daily/weekly):
  Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using Excel and other relevant tools. Assist in preparing figures, tables, charts, and written summaries for internal reports, funding deliverables, and external communications. Ensure data is accurately recorded, clearly organized, and traceable to its source.
• Research and Documentation (~20% of time, weekly):
  Conduct focused literature reviews supporting technical and process development work and summarize findings for the engineering team. Support documentation of experimental procedures, protocols, and results in accordance with established lab standards.
• Lab Organization and General Support (~10% of time, as needed):
  Contribute to the organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness of the laboratory. Support inventory awareness of lab supplies and materials, and assist with ad‑hoc tasks supporting the experimental program.

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in chemical engineering, materials science, mineral or metallurgical engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated academic engagement with materials processing, sustainability, or related technical areas, evidenced through coursework, research involvement, or extracurricular activity.
• Basic proficiency in data analysis using Excel: the ability to organize, calculate, and present experimental data clearly and accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to follow written protocols accurately, consistently, and completely.
• Willingness to learn in an unfamiliar environment: ask questions, take directions,…