2027 R&D Commercialization & Engineering Co-Op

This position is a 6-month co-op experience starting in January 2027 that will work with the Sherwin-Williams R&D Performance Coatings Group 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.  

• 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

This position is for a minimum of 6 months starting in January 2027 with a potential option of being extended to 12 months. This position is on site only at downtown Minneapolis Campus in Minneapolis, MN. 

Minimum Requirements
•Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree program in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, or Polymer Science
•Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age 
•Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without needing sponsorship for employment work visa status now or in the future
•Must be willing to work up to 40 hours per week for 6 months, with or without reasonable accommodation
•Currently holding a minimum of 2.8 GPA  

Preferred Qualifications 
•Working knowledge of Minitab and Business Objects
•Be a rising or current sophomore, Junior or Senior in college or university at the start of the Co-Op program   
•Declared major of Chemical Engineering  
•Currently holding a minimum 3.0 GPA
•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.

As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans