WHO YOU ARE: 

We're looking for a curious, detail-oriented, and courageous individual to spend a semester with us on the journey to filling a gap in today's textile industry. The FIBER PROCESSING INTERNSHIP is for the student who is interested in pursuing a career in the textile engineering industry. There are a variety of technical degree disciplines that qualify for this internship. The ideal student is excited about the future of this space and interested in shaping its crucial transition to sustainable practices, materials, and sourcing. New materials are critical to providing manufacturers the options they are seeking to create sustainable supply chains and less waste. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with fiber processing activities per standard operating procedures
• Responsible for routine set-up, maintenance, cleaning, and operation of fiber processing bench scale equipment 
• Collaborate with the technical team to support improvements in processing and testing efficiency 
• Comply with safety guidelines, including maintaining up-to-date training, following SOPs, equipment maintenance, and proper documentation of lab notebooks and logbooks
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members to ensure proper resourcing and timeliness in executing committed milestones and deadlines
• Contribute to project meetings and planning sessions

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong understanding of fiber science, textiles, and polymeric materials 
• Experience or knowledge in material testing using industry-standard methods such as ASTM, AATCC, and ISO
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment and remain flexible and open-minded
• A focus on and dedication to milestone completion
• Highly organized with the ability to support multiple projects and deadlines
• Professional, detail-oriented, and excellent in time management
• Efficient and effective communication skills across an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to handle confidential business information
• Learns quickly and is keen on problem-solving
• Team player with a positive attitude
• Previous experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Follow compliance with CDC guidelines and able to adapt to changing policies around COVID-19

SUPPLEMENTARY:

• Prior experience with polymeric materials or textile and fiber testing: TGA, DSC, optical microscopy, SEM, and Instron (mechanical testing).
• Familiar with fiber spinning techniques. Prior experience with fiber extrusion is a plus.
• Holds an awareness of the significance of UN Sustainable Development Goals

JOB DETAILS:

• Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in textile engineering, textile technology, materials science, materials engineering, physics or related discipline OR have completed your studies no more than six months before the start of the internship, with a GPA of 3.0
• Must be able to work 10 to 15 hours per week