Research & Development Summer Intern - TPO & PVC Raw Material Evaluations for Cost Optimization

C

Continental

Research & Development Summer Intern - TPO & PVC Raw Material Evaluations for Cost Optimization

Winchester, VA
Internship
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

    Project: TPO & PVC Raw Material Evaluations for Cost Optimization

    Join Continental's Research & Development team to work hands-on with cutting-edge materials used in automotive interiors and high-performance PVC applications. This internship is perfect for students passionate about materials science, chemistry, engineering, and product development.

    About the Project:

    You will support active development projects focused on optimizing formulations for Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) products. These materials are essential for automotive interiors, pool liners, deck coverings, and more.

    As part of the R&D team, you will help identify opportunities to reduce raw material costs while maintaining strict performance standards such as environmental resistance, durability, appearance retention, and manufacturability.

    Project Deliverables:

    • Identify and define potential raw material substitutions for TPO and PVC formulations.
    • Compound new and existing formulations for evaluation.
    • Assess processing characteristics such as calendering and internal mixing.
    • Conduct performance testing based on automotive and industry standards.
    • Analyze test data and prepare a final recommendation report.
    • End-of-Internship Presentation to Leadership Team

    During this internship, you will gain practical experience in:

    • Automotive & LivTec industry materials (TPO and PVC).
    • Product development and testing methodologies.
    • Compounding, processing, and formulation chemistry.
    • OEM performance requirements and internal evaluation processes.

    Main Tasks:

    • Weighing and preparing raw materials for compounding.
    • Working with lab technicians on mill and processing evaluations.
    • Conducting mechanical, environmental, and performance testing.
    • Documenting and summarizing test results.
    • Supporting additional R&D tasks as assigned.

    THE ENVIRONMENT

    Safety is our highest priority and safety procedures and guidelines must always be adhered to. Applicants must be able to work in a manufacturing industrial environment and be able to wear personal protective equipment such as safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.

  • Qualifications

    Qualifications

    WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

    • Currently enrolled in a U.S.-accredited college, university, or technical school with a minimum 2.8 GPA.
    • Pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Engineering, or Chemistry, or a related field of study.
    • Proficient in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.

    Additional Details

    • This is a paid, full‑time summer internship. Internship dates are between May 18 - August 7.
    • Relocation and housing assistance are not provided.
    • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Sponsorship for employment visas is not available now or in the future for this role.

    Additional Information

    THE PERKS

    • Competitive Pay
    • Hands-on Experience with the Team
    • Project Experience
    • Networking Opportunity
    • On-Site Gym
    • And more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

    All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

    EEO-Statement:

    EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to Careers@conti-na.com or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

    Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.