R&D Co-op - Spring 2025

Specialty Granules (SGI) is a leading force in the roofing, aggregate, and agricultural materials industry. Part of what makes this company thrive is the state of the art research and development department. Actively working on new products, innovative ideas, service work, and regular testing, the R&D group is always striving to learn more about our materials and products. 

SGI is seeking a candidate for an R&D co-op position for the spring of 2025 to work in the Roofing and Analytical Laboratories. These labs use instrumentation to assist others in collecting high quality data for problem solving, new product development, and standardized testing.

This internship opportunity is a chance for you to learn about your chosen field in a real work environment with experienced SGI professionals. During your assignment, you will have a mentor - someone who will act as a coach to help you better understand both SGI and your work responsibilities. You will receive competitive pay, and may be eligible for a temporary living allowance. 

Job Description: 

• Assistance in creating and or optimizing new inorganic coating technology. 
• Prepare samples for analytical testing with a variety of sample preparation devices
• Use techniques including microscopy, titrations, color readings, total solar reflectivity, and others. 
• Conduct problem-solving and troubleshooting investigations to assure root causes are identified and countermeasures and prevention are fully implemented
• Exporting, analyzing and organizing data 

Requirements: 

• Must be pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry (preferred), Chemical Engineering (preferred), Engineering, or Materials Science
• All candidates must have a minimum 2.8 GPA, and at least sophomore standing
• Comfortable performing basic mathematical operations that are essential for chemistry applications (e.g. stoichiometry, determining the amount of moles of substance in a sample, solution making, etc.) 
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without need for employer-sponsored visa (work permit) 
• Problem solving, project management, collaboration and communication skills
• Must have ability to generate accurate and concise technical reports 
• Proficient with office productivity tools: Microsoft Office Suite and Google (G-Suite)
• Familiarity with analytical methods of chemical quantification in either a lab or class setting is a plus.

Physical Requirements: Computer, ability to make oral presentations, lifting objects up to 30 lbs., standing or sitting for extended periods, extended or irregular hours, bending, kneeling, stooping, walking on uneven terrain. Must be able to wear all required personal protective equipment.