R&D Production Intern

Date posted: March 26, 2026

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Job Title: R&D Production Intern

Location: Denver Metropolitan region

Classification: Part-time internship (24-40 hours/wk)

Dates: April/May through August 31, 2026

Reports To: Head of Product and Sustainability

About Renegade Plastics:

Renegade Plastics is leading the charge to revolutionize the industrial fabric industry through sustainability. By replacing toxic and unrecyclable materials with intelligently designed solutions, we are building a circular economy for industrial fabrics. Our mission:

Renegade’s mission is exemplified by our company’s values, which all team members are expected to embrace and personify:

• Building relationships and fostering collective success.
• Making meaningful and ethical choices.
• Innovating fearlessly in an industry ripe for disruption.
• Tackling obstacles with grit and ingenuity.

About the Role:

Renegade Plastics is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented R&D Production Intern to support our in-house testing program and the daily operations of our pilot production and research line in Denver, CO. In this role, you will assist with extrusion equipment maintenance and operation, perform product testing, manage inventory, and help keep our facility running smoothly.

This is a great opportunity for a mechanically minded candidate who thrives in a startup/small-team environment and is passionate about sustainability. Experience working with plastics or plastic-coated materials is a strong plus, but not required. On the job training will be provided for all equipment operations. We welcome recent grads, technical students, or individuals with 1+ years of relevant experience who are excited to gain experience in advanced manufacturing and ready to jump in.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the operation of pilot-scale plastic extrusion equipment to produce coated textiles, following production procedures and quality standards
• Assist with routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of pilot-scale production equipment
• Operate testing equipment and prepare samples
• Support smooth operation of textile coating and testing machinery
• Maintain accurate equipment logs and ensure safe operating conditions
• Record test data clearly and consistently
• Maintain an organized archive of test samples and results
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse and production environment
• Follow all established SOPs and safety protocols

Opportunities for Growth:

Renegade is a young but growing company. As the company grows, so will its North American manufacturing presence and new, full-time roles will be available in manufacturing, research & development, and sustainability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in plastics, textiles, or manufacturing environments
• Mechanically inclined with an interest in equipment and process reliability
• Strong attention to detail and process discipline
• Comfortable working hands-on as part of a small, fast-paced team
• Motivated by sustainability and reducing plastic waste
• Recent graduates or candidates with 1+ years of production/lab experience are encouraged to apply

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Ability to work around and on industrial equipment.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs and ladders up to 30 feet.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, respirators, and hearing protection.
• Ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color of textiles.

Other Details:

• 100% on site required
• 24-40 hours/week with flexible scheduling
• Ideally available at least 3 days per week

Compensation & Benefits:

• Starting rate of pay $20-25/hour, depending on experience
• As an internship role, this position is not eligible for benefits at this time

How to Apply:

• Ready to join the Renegade Revolution? Please apply directly through Handshake or by emailing Samantha@hrconsultingparntes.net
• Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The anticipated start date is between April 20 and May 18, 2026.

Renegade Plastics is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.