Product Development Co-op

Product Development Co-op Student

Department: Product Development

Reports To: Director of Product Development  

COMPANY PROFILE

Novagard is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), and a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

Novagard designs and manufactures silicone sealants, coating, lubricants, and foam for the electronics, transportation/automotive, manufacturing, industrial, construction, medical, aerospace, and military markets.

Novagard has expanded and developed distinctive product lines for over 25 years with customers through North America, Europe and Asia. 

Novagard is an ISO certified 9001:2015 (QMS with Design) and IATF 16949:2016 (WMS with Design), our products meet the highest standard. 

SUMMARY 

The Product Development Co‑op Student will support new product development and existing product improvement initiatives through hands-on laboratory, analytical, and documentation activities. This role is designed to provide meaningful, real-world experience applying academic knowledge to commercial product development while contributing value to Novagard’s innovation and growth objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Apply chemical engineering principles, kinetics, thermodynamics, and material balances to product formulation and evaluation activities. 
• Assist with development and modification of silicone formulations to meet customer, regulatory, and performance requirements. 
• Conduct laboratory testing including physical, chemical, and thermal analysis; document and analyze experimental data. 
• Support scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot and manufacturing environments. 
• Prepare technical documentation such as test reports, batch records, and formulation change summaries. 
• Participate in cross-functional project teams including Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, and Sales. 
• Identify opportunities for product performance improvement, process optimization, and cost reduction. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Knowledge of related engineering discipline functional and technical skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Access
• Good writing skills and interpersonal skills

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

Full-time student pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Materials, Mechanical, Chemical, or Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.

Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS 

• Strong analytical skills; possess the ability to work through technical issues.
• Action Orientation
• Functional and Technical Skills
• Drive for Results
• Customer Focus
• Learning Agility
• Integrity and Trust 
• Peer Relationships

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The student will spend a significant portion of time in laboratory and manufacturing environments and must be able to follow all safety procedures. Some office-based work is also required for documentation and data analysis.

EEO Statement 

Novagard Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, military and/or veteran status, genetic information, or on any basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law.  Novagard Solutions will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or religious needs unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Novagard Solutions