Local College Co-op: Process Research & Development (Engineering/Chemistry)

Job description

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.  

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place. 

Dow has an exciting part-time cooperative education job opportunity available in Carrollton, KY. This position is open to qualified and highly-committed college students enrolled in a fully accredited college or university located very close to the Carrollton Dow site. Unlike a short-term internship project outside of school terms, this particular role is a long-term, year-round, undergraduate student position -- at least one full year in duration -- while the student is simultaneously taking classes toward an undergraduate degree. This opportunity offers the student valuable professional work experience in a dynamic, multi-national corporation interfacing with colleagues and leaders in many different roles. This program is designed for academically successful students who meet ALL of the specific job and co-op program requirements listed below and who can simultaneously succeed both in school and in a professional work environment.

Job Purpose:

The position exists to provide process research, engineering, and laboratory support for the Process Research and Development organization. This role provides technical support through laboratory experimentation and analytical testing, experimental equipment setup and operation, process and method development, scale-up activities, instrumentation support, and manufacturing support. 

Key Job Responsibilities 

Key responsibilities include, but not limited to: 

• Set up, operate, and monitor laboratory experimental equipment and analytical systems under the guidance of engineers and chemists. 

• Conduct laboratory experiments and routine analyses, including sample preparation and analytical testing, while collecting accurate experimental, process, and equipment data. 

• Evaluate experimental and analytical results, apply basic statistical techniques, and assist with interpreting, reporting, and presenting conclusions. 

• Perform basic calibration, preventative maintenance, and first-line troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and analytical systems. 

• Support process development, analytical method development, and scale-up activities by documenting operating conditions, observations, results, and recommendations. 

• Document, communicate, and maintain experimental data, analytical results, calibration records, and technical information. 

• Participate in safety assessments, audits, corrective actions, and compliance activities while following Environmental, Health, and Safety requirements and Operating Discipline Management System procedures. 

• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory equipment, analytical methods, experimental processes, work practices, and tools. 

Required & Preferred Qualifications 

• Students pursuing Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Laboratory Science, or a related science, engineering, or technical major may be the best fit for this position. 

• Student must be able to deliver a quality work product, pay attention to details, prioritize tasks, and follow through on details to completion. 

• Student must be able to follow technical procedures and safely perform hands-on work with laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and experimental systems. 

• Student should be able to take initiative, ask for clarification or additional instruction when needed, and work independently as well as cooperatively with the team. 

• Student should be flexible, willing to learn, and able to adapt to changing project priorities.

Preferred Skills 

• Experimental & Analytical Techniques - Supporting laboratory experimentation, testing, and evaluation 

• Process Operations - Operating and monitoring experimental equipment safely 

• Technical Problem Solving - Identifying and supporting solutions to laboratory, equipment, and process issues 

• Data Analysis - Evaluating experimental and analytical data and drawing conclusions 

• Technical Documentation - Recording operating conditions, observations, analytical results, and experimental data accurately 

• Safety Mindset - Recognizing hazards and following safe work practices 

• Collaboration - Working effectively with engineers, chemists, and laboratory personnel 

• Learning Agility - Developing new technical skills and adapting to changing project needs 

Critical Requirements of the Local Student College Co-Op Program

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or General Educational Development credential and already enrolled at an accredited college or university located close to the Carrollton Dow site, pursuing an undergraduate degree.
• Successfully complete a minimum of 6 credit hours per term during both the Fall and Winter terms (approximately September through April).
• Seeking high performing student with strong GPAs of 3.000+ is preferred
• Able to begin work very soon, usually within 3 weeks of the job offer, and work year-round at least 16 hours each week ONLY during our regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday…max 8 hours/day and 30/week during school).
• Commit to the role for at least 1 full calendar year (BEFORE completing classes for your stated undergraduate degree or BEFORE transferring out of the area).  Students available longer than one year before completing their degree program are preferred and advantaged. 
• Reliable attendance and punctuality in commuting to work daily or at least 2 days a week; therefore, dependable transportation, dedication and time management skills are absolutely required. 
• Since this is a Local Co-op position, candidates must live within 50 miles of the Dow site to which they are applying
• Any current Dow college co-ops wishing to transfer into this role must have been in their current role at least one full year, must have at least one full year left before graduating or transferring out of the area, and must have supervisor approval before applying to each Dow co-op job posting.

Candidates who receive a job offer will be required to pass a background check and will verify school-related requirements and Employment Eligibility Verification Form documentation before being hired into Dow.

A minimum requirement for this United States-based position is the ability to work legally in the United States.  No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of United States permanent residency (green card) process.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. ​​​​Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

As part of our dedication to inclusion, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment. We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.