Material Science Intern – Kohler Innovation Center

About Kohler

Kohler supplies quality kitchen and bath products internationally. The company strives to enhance the consumer experience through quality design, craftsmanship and innovation. Kohler’s Innovation Center at Research Park supports research and design efforts related to robotics, electro-mechanical systems, machining, and pneumatic and hydraulic functions.

The Kohler Innovation Center at Research Park focuses on areas of interest to Kohler including supply chain optimization strategies; investigating and adapting technology for the factory of the future; and developing a pipeline of engineering and data analytics talent for the company tapped from its student intern program.

About the Role

The Material Science Intern will contribute to research and development in sustainability, material formulation, and advanced characterization techniques. The intern will play a supportive role in developing materials and processes that drive cost efficiencies, enhance durability, and align with Kohler’s sustainability goals. The role involves learning and applying materials science principles to real-world manufacturing challenges, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and assisting with testing, analysis, and quality control.

Specific Responsibilities

• Sustainability and Waste Reduction
  • Conduct research and provide analytical support to develop materials and processes that align with Kohler’s Zero Waste to Landfill initiatives.
  • Assist with identifying and evaluating recycled materials and sustainable alternatives in product development.
  • Support data collection and analysis to assess sustainability metrics and report on project progress.
• Composite and Epoxy Formulation
  • Assist in developing, testing, and refining composite materials, focusing on optimizing texture, color, and structural durability.
  • Collaborate on the formulation and characterization of epoxy materials, including testing for properties such as rheology and cure behavior.
  • Contribute to the establishment of quality control standards and testing protocols to ensure consistency in composite materials.
• Metallurgical Process Support
  • Support process improvement efforts within metal casting and finishing operations by assisting with testing and characterization of metal alloys.
  • Analyze data on metallurgical properties and collaborate on recommendations to enhance product durability and reduce production costs.
  • Participate in design of experiments (DOE) to test variables in metal processing and provide insights on best practices.
• Advanced Characterization and Data Analytics
  • Learn and apply advanced characterization techniques, including rheology, mechanical testing, and microscopy, to analyze material properties.
  • Support data analysis and visualization for insights on material performance, using tools such as Microsoft Excel and MiniTab.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to ideate and propose testing solutions that align with industry standards and project goals.

Relationships and Contacts

• Supervisory Relationships
  • Reports to the Manager of the University of Illinois Research Park (UIRP).
• Organization Relationships
  • Works closely with the Digital Transformation engineering team to receive project guidance.
  • Engages with key business stakeholders to gather project requirements, provide updates, and receive feedback.
  • Maintains professional contact with external vendors and consultants as needed for technical support and material sourcing.

Educational and Experience Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with statistical software such as MiniTab is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to work independently and within a project team.
• Preferred knowledge of sustainability practices, materials characterization, and data analysis tools

Apply now on Kohler’s job site.