2025 R&D PCG CE Engineering Co-op

This position is a 6-month co-op experience starting in May 2025 that will work with the Sherwin-Williams Performance Coatings Group R&D Commercialization Engineering team. The R&D Co-op will be assigned to a mentor and will develop knowledge about Process Engineering, Paint and Coatings Manufacturing, LEAN, Six Sigma, and overall Continuous Improvement

• This position is located at the Warrensville Technical Center in Warrensville Heights, OH. It is expected that at some point during this co-op term the PCG Performance Coatings Group R&D Commercialization Engineering team will move to our new R&D facility located in Brecksville, OH.
• This position will be 40 hours a week starting in May 2025 and continuing for at least 6 months. Extending the co-op term beyond 6 months may be considered.

This position is on-site only.

• Provide support to engineers, scientists, chemists, and technicians within the Performance Coatings Group with focus on Automotive and Protective & Marine businesses.
• Perform and support processing equipment maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
• Perform a variety of laboratory tasks utilizing general instruments and advanced lab equipment.
• Collaborate with other research and development team members to complete required tasks, including process chemistry and engineering and material science research groups.
• Complete appropriate research documentation, calculations, and data analysis and effectively communicate these results with supervisor and team members.
• Prepare basic samples, materials, equipment, and other required tools for laboratory tests or development.
• Perform basic technical development, tests, analyses, and research based on formulas and project requirements.
• Complete appropriate forms and documentation regarding research and development processes, tasks, results, reports, and conclusions; receives direction from engineer specialized or complex issues.
• Perform basic calculations to prepare, perform, and conclude tests and analyses.
• Clean, maintain and calibrate standard equipment.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a college or university as at least a sophomore and actively working towards a degree in any of the following: coatings, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or polymer science, business, engineering..
• Must have a High School diploma or equivalent
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Must be available to work 40 hours per week (first shift) for a total of 6 months
• Basic understanding of laboratory practices and safety
• Microsoft Word for technical reporting and Excel for data analysis
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. on occasion
• Employee must be able to work in areas where toxic, flammable, and hazardous materials are present
• Employee must be able to tolerate non-toxic paint odors and be able to wear a respirator as required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a R&D or lab environment.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and/or repairing equipment that contains a pump, engine, motor, gear box, or other similar mechanical devices.
• Experience using basic hand tools.
• Previous team/group experience-employment, volunteering, or extracurricular activities.
• Experience with MS Office, Business Objects, statistical software.

Job duties include contact with other employees and access confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company's staff, employees, and business relationships.