Process Engineering Intern

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Responsible for collecting, organizing, and analyzing raw material, slip-making, process, and quality data to identify relationships between material variation, product defects, and yield.

Lead and manage a structured summer project focused on correlating raw material characteristics and slip-making parameters to high-yield and low-defect product outcomes.

Support development of data collection and traceability system linking incoming raw material lots, slip batches, process conditions, and finished product quality.

Plan and execute experiments to validate suspected causes of defects and confirm conditions associated with improved yield.

Work with engineering, operations, quality, and laboratory teams to gather process knowledge, align on testing priorities, and translate results into practical recommendations.

Prepare technical summaries, present findings to site leadership, and deliver final recommendations for process controls, next-step trials, and future investigation.

Education & Experience

BS/MS candidate in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent degree.

Experience with data analysis, experimental design, and technical problem-solving through academic or internship projects preferred.

Skills

Leadership capabilities to independently manage a defined technical project, drive milestones, and communicate progress clearly.

Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.

Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp.

across engineering, operations, quality, and laboratory functions.

Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data from multiple sources to identify trends and support conclusions.

Working knowledge of Excel or similar data analysis tools; familiarity with statistical methods, DOE, or process capability analysis preferred.

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare concise technical updates and final presentations.

Working Conditions

Manufacturing and laboratory environment with regular exposure to production processes, testing areas, and engineering workspaces.

Frequent interaction with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, process engineering, and materials/lab personnel.

May require use of standard personal protective equipment and adherence to plant safety and quality procedures.

Combination of desk-based data analysis and hands-on observation/support of process and trial activities.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in manufacturing and laboratory areas.

Ability to lift, carry, or move light materials, samples, or equipment consistent with standard intern assignments.

Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and safety shoes as needed.

Ability to perform computer-based work, including data entry, spreadsheet an...