Internship Polymer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior R&D Technician

Monday - Friday Day Shift

Who We are Looking For:

Atkore, a recipient of a Great Place to Work© certification and a Top Workplaces USA award, is currently looking for a Senior R&D Lab Technician to be part of the Atkore Electrical Business Unit.  Reporting to the Sr. R&D Engineering Manager, the Senior R&D Lab Technician supports polymer research, formulation development, new product development, material characterization, and product performance evaluation activities with a high degree of technical competency and independence. This role requires hands-on laboratory expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to execute and document polymer experiments to support new product development, material optimization, and process improvement initiatives. This position performs laboratory testing activities at the newly established Materials Innovation Center (MIC) in Atkore Dallas site.

What You’ll Do:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as key technical contributor to support initiatives within the department
• Support polymer research, formulation development, and new product development
• Perform material characterization and performance testing (e.g., FTIR, DSC, TGA, tensile, impact, rheology)
• Conduct and support polymer formulation studies in accordance with ASTM and ISO standards
• Assist with labscale polymer processing, compounding, and process development to improve quality and reduce cost
• Document experimental data and communicate results to R&D team
• Support continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and laboratory safety initiatives
• Lead laboratory execution to impact product innovation and manufacturing efficiency

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 3–5 years of experience in polymer R&D, materials testing, laboratory development, or related experience (internship or academic lab experience considered for entrylevel candidates)
• Knowledge of polymer characterization and testing methods
• Familiarity with ASTM and ISO testing standards
• Experience with polymer processing equipment a plus
• Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Within 3 months, you’ll:

• Complete your Atkore immersion program
• Understand how your job and performance will help deliver Atkore’s strategy
• Gain an understanding of your co-workers, facility, and team

Within 6 months, you’ll:

• Independently execute projects according to projects timetable and establish daily or weekly schedules to meet project timetable.
• Work on laboratory testing and formulation development activities to support method development, materials characterization, manufacturing process validations, and troubleshooting, and selection of raw materials
• Contribute to the development of requirements and standard methodologies for material and processes to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices
• Support to establish data-driven solutions in supplier selection, materials technology and formulation development, cost/benefit analysis, and improving quality of finished good

Within 12 months, you’ll:

• Maintain conventional and cutting-edge materials and process solutions via testing activities to meet the requirements and to ensure cost effective processing, & high-quality performance
• Organize and maintain electronic and paper copies of information pertaining to the experiments performed including laboratory notebooks, sample databases, research reports, and other documents
• Observe and maintain laboratory safety management system requirements
• Perform chemical and thermal characterization of polymers and additives
• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data with accuracy and consistency
• Identify improvement opportunities and communicate results to R&D team
• Contribute to defining annual cost saving targets by providing experimental data to discover cost reduction opportunities

Who We Are:

Atkore is a five-time Great Place to Work© certified company and a three-time Top Workplaces USA award winner! We’re committed to creating an engaged, aligned workforce driven by a collaborative culture. Our team strives for breakthrough results and stays focused on being standout leaders. We consistently live the Atkore mission, strategic priorities, and behaviors consistent with our core values.

Join our team and align yourself with an industry leader!

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay for this position is $33.12.  Placement in the range depends on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs and may change over time.  Other compensation may include, but not limited to, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, stock, and other incentives.

Benefits available include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401k
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Any leave required under federal, state, or local law

Benefits are subject to vesting and eligibility requirements.

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.