Process Engineering Co-Op/Intern (Spring/Summer 2027)

About the role

Energize Your Career: At MetOx International, we're pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As a Process Engineering Intern, you'll join a dynamic team committed to strengthening the world's energy systems to make them more resilient, efficient, and reliable.

Based at our global headquarters in Houston, TX, MetOx is seeking a motivated fall Process Engineering Co-Op/Intern to join our team. This role offers hands-on experience with production processes, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives. You'll gain exposure to advanced manufacturing techniques and collaborate closely with seasoned engineers on critical projects.

This position is part of MetOx's 2027 Co-Op/Intern Program. Candidates may be considered for one of two options:

• Internship: Part-time during the school year (Spring 2027) and full-time during Summer 2027.
• Co-Op: Full-time from January through August 2027. Non-local candidates selected for the full-time co-op may be eligible for a monthly stipend to help offset living expenses during the co-op period.

Key Responsibilities

Characterization and Testing

• Operate tools like SEM, EDX, Optical Microscopy, XRD for defect identification, library maintenance, correlation of defects to Ic & mechanical properties of the product.
• Carry out sample preparation techniques like selective etching, cross section polishing, etc.
• Perform destructive testing techniques like simple peel, cross hatch peel, 90-degree peel, transport Ic, electromechanical property tests.

Process Engineering Support

• Hands on support to process engineers in performing Design of Experiments (DOE) and tracking/tracing product flow, collecting samples, testing and documenting results.
• Perform Statistical data analysis on the information collected from the Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Actively participate in root cause analysis, articulate and perform Hypothesis testing, document results.
• Support Operations on disposition decisions, process changes, sample collection.
• Follow through and verify operational accuracy when performing experiments, new process deployments, new product routings.

Data Management & Reporting

• Use the existing systems to collect, articulate, summarize and present to the team.
• Formulate defect tracking dashboards and build the trends. Correlate to process metrics.
• Write and publish Failure Analysis (FA) reports, technical documentation, standard operating procedures (SOP's), work instructions (WI's) as development progresses.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, and maintenance, to support ongoing projects and resolve technical issues.
• Participate in safety meetings and training sessions to understand and adhere to MetOx's operational standards.
• Attend project meetings, provide regular updates on process initiatives, and share insights to contribute to the team's success.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a Master's degree program in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Previous internship or co-op experience in a process or manufacturing engineering role.
• Experience with characterization tools like SEM, EDX, Optical Microscopy, XRD.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools (JMP or Minitab).
• Experience working in a lab or manufacturing environment with a strong focus on safety protocols.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Basic understanding of process engineering principles, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical information effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Demands

• This position requires sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods while working or performing other office tasks.
• Ability to move around the office, including occasional standing, walking, and bending to retrieve documents, attend meetings, or use office equipment.
• Some light lifting may be required, up to 20 lbs.