Freelance Graduate Polymer Engineer Jobs in Cleveland, OH

Position Summary

Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For more than a century the company has been enabling engineering breakthroughs that lead to a better tomorrow.

The Chemical Engineering Co-Op will report to a technical staff member at our Wickliffe, OH materials development lab. 

Provide polymer compounding, processing, and testing expertise to the Fluid Connectors Group Materials Development Team, with a focus on improving existing materials and developing new materials for use in hose and tubing applications.

Availability:

We have two co-op positions available. Students must be able to work 40 hours per week during the Fall 2026 or Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 semesters. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Participate as an active member of the Materials Development Team, taking direction from senior engineers and scientists leading the active projects.
• Learn how to use and operate lab scale mixing, extrusion, and molding equipment, to make experimental materials and prepare them for measurement of mechanical and thermal properties.
• Learn how to use and operate polymer compounding equipment for producing pilot scale quantities of experimental materials.
• Learn and use the principles of Design of Experiments for investigating material formulations and processing variables.
• Learn and use mechanical, thermal, and chemical property testing equipment to generate the data required to develop new materials.
• Assist with pilot scale tubing production for prototype hose builds with new materials as necessary.
• Participate in all functions of the High-Performance Team environment as required.
• Present and explain project plans, data, and results to the Team, generating reports as necessary.
• Assist other Engineers within the Division with projects, tasks and deadlines when such situations arise.
• Conduct work safely at all times within a zero allowable incidents culture.

Position Requirements:

• Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in polymer science, polymer engineering, materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely-related field. Successful completion of two years of academic classwork is preferred. Graduate students pursuing an advanced degree in these engineering fields will also be considered.
• Excellent communication skills (e.g., the development/delivery of presentations to technical and non-technical audiences) and accurate scientific documentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, the ability operate effectively in a team environment, and the ability to interface effectively with related business and manufacturing functions.
• Travel: Position may require occasional travel to Parker facilities, local universities, and suppliers.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.  However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency or other appropriate status is required for certain positions, in accord with U.S. import & export regulations.
("Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor")

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission