Product Development Co-op Internship

About Us 

Porex is a pioneer and global leader in the development and manufacturing of porous materials.  The Company develops innovative solutions for healthcare, consumer, and industrial markets with products addressing filtration, wicking, venting, diffusion, thermal management, and many other application needs.  Today, Porex employs over 1,400 people around the world and serves over 1,300 customers in 65 countries.  Porex parts and products are used in everything from consumer products such as children's markers and home scent diffusers to medical and bioscience devices such as dialysis systems and DNA research equipment.

Porex is under the Life Sciences Division of The Filtration Group, a world-leading provider of advanced and efficient solutions to customer filtration needs.  Driven by a deep-rooted commitment to empower a safer, healthier and more efficient world, The Filtration Group began by investing in the most inspired people and technology around the globe.

Porex recognizes that our core strength is our employees.  We provide opportunities for people with talent and initiative who are ready to make a difference within our organization. We have a passion for achieving results and winning – for our business partners, our colleagues, our communities, and our shareholders.  Thank you for visiting the Porex desk at the career fair.  We invite you to learn more about our company by visiting www.Porex.com and www.FiltrationGroup.com.

Position Summary: 

The Co-op position will work closely with our new product development team located at the Porex Richmond, VA site. This site focuses on developing porous solutions utilizing a variety of advanced bonded fiber technologies. As the term progresses, the overall expectations for this Co-op will gradually increase. Initially, the Co-op will provide support to new product development activities. Over time, the Co-op will take on more responsibility by participating in project execution and task management. A total of 3 terms are expected. By the end, the student will gain sufficient experience in experimental design and execution, data collection and statistical analysis, results organization, summary and presentation, basic project management, and new product development.

Essential Functions:

Term-1

1. Provide basic support to new product development projects.
2. Collect, organize, and summarize data on both process conditions and test results.
3. Conduct product performance tests and characterization.
4. Perform analytical tests, including test procedure development.
5. Conduct lab-scale chemical batch mixing/preparation.
6. Prepare, ship, and track samples. 
7. Document trials and testing procedures clearly and accurately.
8. Assist in creating basic simulation models to predict product performance under various conditions.
9. Use simulation tools to analyze preliminary data and provide insights.

Term-2

1. Improve methods for data collection, testing, and result analysis.
2. Participate in experimental design and execution.
3. Develop experimental procedures and characterization methods.
4. Participate in trial production and new product scale-up operations.
5. Support new product/process transfer (R&D to Operations) efforts.
6. Collaborate with application engineers and the commercial team to manage the front end of the new product development pipeline.
7. Develop and update a matrix of new product development activities.
8. Create and refine simulation models to support experimental design and predict outcomes.
9. Validate simulation results with experimental data and make necessary adjustments.

Term-3 

1. Take responsibility for task management of large product development projects.
2. Work with cross-functional teams to support new product launch plans.
3. Support new product qualification planning and execution.
4. Assist in new process testing and validation activities.
5. Help prepare new product qualification reports.
6. Lead the development of advanced simulation models for complex product designs.
7. Utilize simulation results to optimize product performance and identify potential issues early in the development process.

Requirements:

1. Rising junior or above in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
3. Strong problem-solving and logical thinking skills.
4. Data-driven mindset with proficiency in statistical tools such as Minitab or equivalent.
5. Capable of conducting experimental design and execution, with occasional physical requirements such as lifting up to 50 lbs.
6. Strong record-keeping and documentation skills.
7. Demonstrates trust, integrity, and initiative.
8. Effective collaboration and teamwork abilities.
9. Proficient computer skills, including MS Office, particularly Excel.
10. Commitment to a minimum of 2 terms (semesters).
11. Immediate start date.

Work Environment 

Office, laboratory and air-conditioned pilot production environment.

Close interactions with cross functional teams.

Use of basic mechanical hand tools and device assembly equipment.

Physical Demands – standing and infrequent lifting (less than 35lbs).

Porex, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender

identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.