2026 Polymer R&D Summer Internship- Marengo, IL

Role details

This position is a comprehensive 12-week learning experience in Global Supply Chain Center for Polymer Technology R&D team. In this role, you’ll be assigned to a laboratory and paired with a dedicated mentor who will help you build proficiency in polymer chemistry, specifically for industrial applications, while also helping you acclimate a professional work environment. You’ll take on a Technical Project where you’ll actively contribute to a project team and present your findings at the end of the internship.

Alongside your technical work, you’ll participate in a variety of networking and learning events designed to support your professional development and help you build connections with other interns and co-ops across the organization. About Performance Coatings Group at Sherwin-Williams: Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract. As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans. Gain proficiency in various polymer chemistry types and formulations. Prepare polymer batches with attention to processing techniques and quality standards.

Conduct quality control (QC) tests to ensure batches meet specification requirements. Accurately document experimental work in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) following established protocols. Maintain professional and detailed records of all research activities. Follow all safety guidelines, including ITMs and standard operating procedures. Maintain a clean and organized work environment through good housekeeping practices. Develop foundational knowledge of paint formulation and production processes through hands-on training and guided instruction.

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.

Minimum Requirements Must be at least 18 years of age Must be legally authorized to work in the country for which you are applying for employment without now or in the future needing sponsorship for employment visa status Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program or higher in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) at the time of the internship program Must have a minimum 2.8 GPA Must be willing to work up to 40 hours per week for a total of 12 weeks, with or without reasonable accommodation Preferred Qualifications Currently at Junior or Senior standing Pursuing a Chemistry or Chemical Engineering Degree Basic understanding of information technology infrastructure or computer platforms Working knowledge of Minitab and Business Objects.

Have at least one (1) year of experience using Microsoft Office products (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, and/or Outlook