Research and Development Internship

Job Description

About Company: RHI Magnesita

RHI Magnesita is recognized as the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems, and solutions. These products are critical for high-temperature processes across a wide range of industries, including steel, cement, advanced materials for electronics, and electric vehicles (EVs). The company plays a crucial role in enabling manufacturing processes that operate at extreme temperatures. RHI Magnesita boasts a significant global presence, employing over 20,000 individuals across 65 production sites worldwide. Their core mission is to develop and provide refractory products that effectively address and solve the most extreme manufacturing challenges, thereby helping to “shape the world at extreme temperatures.”

Job Description: Research and Development Internship

This is a Fully On-Site Research and Development Internship located in York, Pennsylvania, requiring a minimum commitment of 5 months. The internship is within the Research & Development Department.

Role Summary:
The internship is designed for a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join the Refractories R&D team at the York, PA lab facility. The primary focus of the role is to provide hands-on experience in sample analysis and reporting, specifically for plant and customer support projects. The intern will collaborate closely with researchers and technicians in the Non-Basic Refractories department. A key aspect of the internship involves learning essential ceramic property measurement techniques that are crucial for supporting activities such as failure analysis, raw material evaluations, and product development.

Key Responsibilities (What You’ll Do):
• Conduct post-mortem analysis of refractory products to understand their performance and failure mechanisms.
• Perform chemical analysis using advanced X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques.
• Execute tests to determine physical properties of various refractory types, including strength, density, and porosity.
• Organize data meticulously and prepare detailed reports on findings and analyses.

Qualifications (What You Bring):
• Educational Background: Currently enrolled in a technical, materials engineering, or chemistry discipline. A high school diploma or equivalent is also required.
• Work Environment Preference: A strong desire to work in a research or manufacturing environment.
• Learning Agility: Willingness to learn new test methods and develop analytical skills.
• Work Environment Comfort: Ability to work with high-temperature test equipment and in environments that may be potentially dusty.
• Essential Skills: Possess strong organizational and communication skills.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

What the Company Offers:
• Practical Experience: Opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience within the R&D environment of a global industry leader.
• Skill Development: Chance to learn advanced testing and analysis techniques.
• Collaborative Learning: Work in a collaborative setting alongside experienced researchers and technicians.