Chemistry Laboratory Technician Intern
Chemistry / Laboratory Technician Intern Latrobe, PA • Paid Internship
Chestnut Ridge Foam, Inc. — a leading manufacturer of fire-resistant and specialty foam products for 40 years.
Launch Your Chemistry Career in Manufacturing
Are you a chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering student who wants hands-on laboratory experience in a real manufacturing environment? This internship gives you the opportunity to work directly with quality control, product development, and research teams while supporting the production of innovative fire-resistant foam products used across multiple industries.
You’ll gain practical experience with analytical testing, data management, troubleshooting, and product development — all while contributing to day-to-day operations at a successful manufacturing company.
What You’ll Do
As a Chemistry / Laboratory Technician Intern, you will support the laboratory and operations teams through a variety of quality control and technical activities, including:
- Perform R&D Lab work producing small batches of polyurethane foam with the assistance of the Technical Director and other team members.
- Perform daily quality testing on incoming raw materials
Evaluate materials from suppliers to verify they meet company specifications before use in production.
- Test vendor-supplied and in-process production materials
Monitor product consistency throughout manufacturing using standard laboratory procedures and analytical methods.
- Conduct final product testing
Verify that finished foam products meet established quality, performance, and safety standards.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and technical reports
Document test results, observations, and batch information to support traceability and compliance requirements.
- Support sample production and research projects
Assist with sample shop orders, experimental trials, and product development testing for new or modified foam formulations.
- Analyze product issues and customer returns
Participate in root cause investigations by performing laboratory testing on rejected or returned materials.
- Perform analytical testing and batch documentation
Measure properties such as viscosity, percent solids, and pH, and record data for compounding batches and production orders.
- Assist with quality assurance inspections
Support QA activities and help ensure products comply with internal and customer requirements.
- Collaborate across departments
Provide testing data to operations, support product development initiatives, and assist the Laboratory Manager with special projects and safe chemical disposal.
What We’re Looking For
- Currently pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to accurately follow laboratory procedures and maintain records.
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing and laboratory environment.
- Basic understanding of laboratory safety practices and chemical handling.
- Experience with analytical testing or laboratory coursework is a plus but not required.
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on experience with industrial quality control and product testing.
- Exposure to polyurethane foam manufacturing and specialty materials.
- Experience using laboratory instrumentation and data reporting systems.
- Opportunities to work with R&D, QA, and operations professionals.
- A paid internship that builds practical skills for careers in chemistry, manufacturing, quality assurance, and product development.
Work Environment
This position involves working in both laboratory and manufacturing settings. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training will be provided.
Apply Today
Join a company with a long history of innovation and quality in specialty foam manufacturing. If you’re eager to apply your chemistry knowledge in a fast-paced industrial environment, we’d love to hear from you.