Materials Engineering Intern

At S&C Electric Company , a 100% employee-owned company, we help keep the lights on for people and businesses worldwide. Our manufacturing roles build the equipment that protects the critical infrastructure of the power grid, and each of our team members lends their unique skills to this crucial mission. The manufacturing industry is booming with opportunities to learn new things, expand your skills, and build a long-term career. Join S&C to make an impact on tomorrow's energy challenges and become an employee-owner Available Shift: 1st shift: 8:00 am
- 4:30 pm, Monday
- Friday Full-Time Fall 2026 Internship The estimated per hourly range for this position is $22
- 30 per hour based on experience. Competitive Weekly Pay Period Analytical Services is responsible for material testing and insuring conformance to applicable material specifications and periodically reviewing material specifications for accuracy. The intern candidate would work in the Analytical lab, report to the Assistant Manager of Analytical Services, and be located at S&C Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. Materials Testing & Analysis : Support the Analytical Services team by performing laboratory testing and characterization of metallic, polymeric, and composite materials used throughout S&C products and operations. Assist with sample preparation, testing, data collection, and interpretation of results using a variety of analytical techniques and laboratory equipment. Work alongside engineers, chemists, and technologists to evaluate material conformance to specifications and investigate material-related issues. Failure Analysis & Engineering Support : Assist with failure analysis investigations involving metals, plastics, rubber materials, coatings, and assemblies. Participate in root cause investigations by examining components, documenting observations, collecting test data, and supporting development of technical conclusions that help improve product reliability and manufacturing processes. Gain hands-on experience operating and supporting advanced laboratory instrumentation such as microscopes, hardness testers, FTIR, XRF, DSC, DMA, TGA, TMA, SEM/EDS, viscometers, and other analytical equipment. Assist with equipment setup, sample testing, data collection, and maintenance activities while learning laboratory best practices and test methodologies. Data Analysis & Technical Reporting : Compile and analyze laboratory data, generate charts and summaries, and assist in preparing technical reports and presentations for engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, product development, and quality assurance teams. Continuous Improvement Projects : Participate in laboratory process improvement initiatives focused on improving testing efficiency, turnaround time, data quality, standardization, and workflow optimization. Assist with documentation updates, test method development, validation activities, and implementation of Lean or continuous improvement practices within the laboratory environment. Cross-Functional Collaboration : Work closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, New Product Development, Quality Assurance, and other functional groups to provide analytical support for new product development, supplier qualification, incoming material evaluation, manufacturing troubleshooting, and quality improvement initiatives. This role provides broad exposure to how analytical laboratory services support business operations across S&C. Understand and comply with all applicable Company policies, safety requirements, laboratory practices, and quality system expectations. In-progress degree program from an accredited university/college program with a concentration in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline and returning to school full-time after the work session. Frequently required to use hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to prepare samples, operate laboratory equipment, use microscopes, handle small components, and perform computer-based analysis and reporting. Occasionally ascending or descending ladders/stairs/scaffolding/ramps/poles. Frequently required to observe details at close range, including microscope work, material surface evaluation, color differentiation, depth perception, and visual identification of metallurgical or coating conditions. Continuously required to talk and hear, or otherwise, in person and by phone/conference calls. Occasionally required to travel to manufacturing areas, supplier locations, training, or other company facilities as business needs require. Environmental and Hazardous

Conditions:
Continuously working indoors in an office, analytical laboratory, and manufacturing-support environment. Frequently exposed to laboratory chemicals, etchants, fumes, vapors, dust, oils, greases, sharp materials, heated surfaces, and other materials or conditi