INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Intern - Polymer Engineer - Summer 2026

CompanyUS Conec, Ltd.
LocationHickory
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJanuary 20, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will develop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and apply materials science principles to real-world challenges. They will gain hands-on experience with advanced lab equipment and collaborate with engineers on process evaluations.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
170
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
With over 30 years of proven innovation, US Conec continues to redefine the optical interconnect industry with next generation high density connectivity solutions. US Conec designs, develops, and manufactures industry leading technology solutions for data center structured cabling, public network, on-board interconnect, industrial and military markets worldwide. The company’s key product developments include MT ferrules, MTP® brand MPO connectors, MTP® PRO solutions, MXC® connectors, PRIZM® LightTurn® and PRIZM® MT lensed ferrule technology, ELiMENT™ single fiber connectors, VSFF MDC and MMC connectors, Fast-Track™ connectors, IBC™ fiber-optic cleaning solutions, termination equipment, high precision optical packaging components, and customized precision interconnect solutions.
About the Role
<div class="content-intro"><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>US Conec, Ltd.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Engineering Innovation. Precision Plastics. Powering AI.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">US Conec, Ltd. is a trusted, global company that prides itself on engineering excellence—creating innovative connectivity solutions that support today’s most important technologies. </span><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">We foster a friendly, inclusive culture that values teamwork, creativity, and mutual respect. At US Conec, you’ll find real opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact in a company that genuinely cares about its people </span><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">and its customers.&nbsp;</span><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">With competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive environment, this is a place where you can build your future—whether your interests lie in manufacturing, engineering, operations, or beyond.</span></p></div><p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Polymer Engineer Intern – Summer 2026</strong></span><br><br></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Overview</strong></p> <p>US Conec is offering a hands-on internship opportunity for a Polymer Engineer Intern to join our corporate team in Hickory, NC during Summer 2026. In this role, you’ll apply materials science principles to real-world manufacturing challenges, using structure–property relationships to improve efficiency and optimize product performance. You’ll gain exposure to advanced analytical tools, experimental design, and process improvement in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.</p> <p>This internship is ideal for students pursuing a degree in Materials Science &amp; Engineering who are eager to develop technical skills and contribute to meaningful projects.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Develop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes using key analytical tools</li> <li>Learn and apply knowledge of drying, rheology, and thermal properties to support process improvements</li> <li>Gain hands-on experience with advanced lab equipment including SEM, AFM, TGA, DSC, TMA, rheometers, moisture analyzers, and particle size analysis tools</li> <li>Collect and analyze data to support data-driven decision-making</li> <li>Apply design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis techniques to solve manufacturing problems</li> <li>Collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams on process evaluations and technical reporting</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Must Haves</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science &amp; Engineering or a related field</li> <li>Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, MiniTab, MATLAB, Trios, and CAD software</li> <li>Understanding of polymer compounding and twin-screw extrusion is a plus</li> <li>Strong oral and written communication skills</li> <li>Eagerness to learn, collaborate, and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What We Offer</strong></p> <ul> <li>Competitive internship compensation</li> <li>Mentorship from experienced engineers and materials scientists</li> <li>Exposure to cutting-edge fiber optic manufacturing technologies</li> <li>Access to a state-of-the-art analytical lab and testing platforms</li> <li>Opportunities to contribute to impactful projects with real-world applications</li> <li>A collaborative, team-based culture focused on innovation and learning</li> <li>STEM outreach and community engagement initiatives</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class="content-conclusion"><p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Join US Conec today and be part of a team that values each other, promotes innovation and growth, and strives to exceed customer expectations in everything we do.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;U<em>S Conec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. </em><em>We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics</em></p></div>
Key Skills
Materials ScienceManufacturing ProcessesAnalytical ToolsDryingRheologyThermal PropertiesLab EquipmentData AnalysisDesign of ExperimentsStatistical AnalysisCollaborationCommunicationPolymer CompoundingTwin-Screw ExtrusionMicrosoft OfficeMATLAB
Categories
EngineeringManufacturingScience & Research
Benefits
Competitive Internship CompensationMentorshipExposure to Cutting-Edge TechnologiesAccess to Analytical LabOpportunities to Contribute to ProjectsCollaborative CultureSTEM Outreach