Engineering Intern (Metallurgical / Mineral Processing / Chemical)

Engineering Intern (Metallurgical / Mineral Processing / Chemical) - Multiple Openings

• Location: State College, PA (on-site)
• Pay: $25-$35/hr, commensurate with education and experience
• Type: Part-time during academic terms and full-time temporary positions available; hourly, non-exempt
• Terms: Summer 2026 and/or Fall 2026; start and end dates flexible
• Work authorization: No visa sponsorship is available for this position. CPT/OPT-eligible students are encouraged to apply for this part-time, off-campus position; the company actively assists CPT/OPT-eligible students in meeting their program requirements.

Position Summary

Intel-E-Waste is hiring engineering interns to support the experimental program at the core of our process development work. This is a hands-on laboratory role in a small, funded, patent-backed startup: interns prepare and characterize samples, operate equipment, and collect and analyze data that feeds directly into decisions about what the company builds next. Interns work alongside, and report directly to, the Process Development Engineer and Managing Director.

Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome. M.S. and Ph.D. students whose research involves materials processing, separation, characterization, or related areas are especially encouraged to apply; the role is designed to be workable alongside a graduate program, with scheduling flexibility coordinated with the team.

About Intel-E-Waste

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream on the planet and is expected to more than double by 2050. Every discarded phone, laptop, and solar panel contains copper, gold, silver, lithium, and other critical materials essential to the clean energy economy, and today, most of it is lost to landfill.

Intel-E-Waste was founded by a research team with deep expertise in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy. Backed by federal funding and years of laboratory research, the team developed and patented a low-cost, heat-free, zero-waste process that selectively separates multiple critical materials from e-waste, adaptable to existing recycling facilities or deployable at collection sites that currently perform no material recovery. Technology is validated; the work now is turning proven processes into scalable, deployable physical systems. Interns contribute directly to the experimental program driving that transition. Intel-E-Waste operates from its offices and laboratory in State College, PA, in Happy Valley, home to Penn State University.

What You'll Do

• Laboratory Experiment Support and Sample Preparation (~40% of time | Daily): Assist in the execution of laboratory experiments, including sample preparation, characterization, and physical and chemical separation tasks. Support equipment operation under the direction of the Process Development Engineer. Follow established experimental protocols accurately and consistently. Assist with setup, adjustment, and teardown of experiments, and contribute to general lab organization.
• Data Analysis and Reporting Support (~30% of time | Daily / Weekly): Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using Excel and other relevant tools. Assist in preparing figures, tables, charts, and written summaries for internal reports, funding deliverables, and external communications. Ensure data is accurately recorded, clearly organized, and traceable to its source.
• Research and Documentation (~20% of time | Weekly): Conduct focused literature reviews supporting technical and process development work, and summarize findings for the engineering team. Support documentation of experimental procedures, protocols, and results in accordance with established lab standards.
• Lab Organization and General Support (~10% of time | As Needed): Contribute to the organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness of the laboratory. Support inventory awareness of lab supplies and materials, and assist with ad hoc tasks supporting the experimental program.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in chemical engineering, materials science, mineral or metallurgical engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated academic engagement with materials processing, sustainability, or related technical areas, evidenced through coursework, research involvement, or extracurricular technical activity.
• Basic proficiency in data analysis using Excel: the ability to organize, calculate, and present experimental data clearly and accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to follow written protocols accurately, consistently, and completely.
• Willingness to learn in an unfamiliar environment: ask questions, take directions, acknowledge what you don't know, and apply feedback quickly.
• Ability to work effectively within a small, fast-moving team, communicating status clearly and flagging issues promptly.

Preferred Qualifications

Not required, but the background of an especially strong candidate:

• Prior laboratory or research experience involving direct engagement with physical materials or experimental equipment, whether through coursework, undergraduate or graduate research, co-op, or independent study.
• Exposure to materials processing, separation processes, recycling systems, or chemical processing in any academic or practical context.
• Familiarity with, or coursework in, Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and/or Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), including any experience with process data, cost modeling, or environmental impact frameworks.
• Experience preparing technical figures, tables, or written summaries for an academic or professional audience.
• Prior experience in a university research lab, startup, or other early-stage technical settings.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is conducted in designated labs, pilot areas, and offices, in a fully operational, controlled process environment. Individuals may work in proximity to process equipment, chemicals (including acids and solvents used in processing operations), and material samples. All work must comply with applicable safety requirements and company protocols. Required PPE must be worn when entering or leaving laboratory or pilot areas; the company provides safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required at all times. Contact lenses may be prohibited in areas with chemical hazards.

The physical demands described here represent those that an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Work regularly requires talking, hearing, and standing or sitting for extended periods while using computers, laboratory instruments, and other tools. The individual regularly reaches with hands and arms; frequently uses hands to handle, operate, and manipulate equipment, instruments, materials, and samples; and regularly stoops, bends, kneels, crouches, and performs fine-motor tasks associated with instrument operation and sample handling. The individual must regularly lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds, including material samples, equipment components, pilot-scale system parts, and supply containers. Vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This role requires regular physical presence in the laboratory. Occasional or regular exposure to vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, gases, chemicals, and other materials is possible; appropriate PPE and safety protocols mitigate these exposures, and compliance with all safety requirements is mandatory.

Other Information

• Background and investigative checks may be conducted as part of the hiring process; results must be satisfactory for the company.
• Please complete the screening questions included with this application. They take about 10 minutes and replace the need for a cover letter.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Intel-E-Waste, a registered trade name of Inventra Technologies LLC, is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based solely on merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process and to enable performance of essential job functions.