2026 R&D Co-op -Automotive

This position is a comprehensive 24-week learning experience in Performance Coatings Group Automotive Refinish R&D. Students will be assigned to a specific lab and will be given a mentor. Co-ops will also be given a Technical Project in which they will present at the end of their assignment. Students will be active participants on a project team and will have periodic reviews to evaluate their performance. Students will participate in a number of special networking and learning events throughout their assignment. This opportunity will allow students to gain experience in work groups, as well as working with other Interns and Co-ops.

Upon completion of construction, the individual selected for this role will primarily work at the new Sherwin-Williams Global Technology Center in Brecksville, Ohio.

All hires must go through a background check before the start of employment.

This position is for a minimum of 6 months starting in January 2026 with the a potential option of being extended to 12 months. This position is on site only at Morikis Global Technology Center in Brecksville, OH.

* Prepare Coating Solutions: Formulate and prepare coating samples by blending various additives, solvents, catalysts and resins according to experimental designs and project requirements.

* Sample Application: Apply coatings using drawdown and spray techniques to produce consistent and uniform test panels.

* Sample Evaluation: Evaluate coating performance through optical, mechanical, and chemical testing methods, including gloss, color, adhesion, hardness, and solvent resistance.

* Stability Testing: Conduct stability and compatibility tests on coating solutions to monitor changes in appearance, viscosity, pH and performance over time.

* Data Recording and Analysis: Accurately record experimental data, summarize results, and assist in interpreting performance trends for process or formulation improvements.

* Team Collaboration: Work closely with research scientists and engineers to support ongoing projects and deliver technical results to the New Product Development (NPD) team.

* Laboratory Maintenance: Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment in compliance with company safety and quality standards.

Minimum Requirements
* Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's Degree program in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics ("STEM") at the time of the internship program
* Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
* Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without needing sponsorship for employment work visa status now or in the future
* Must be willing to work up to 40 hours per week for a total of 24 weeks, with or without reasonable accommodation
* Minimum of 2.8 GPA

Preferred Qualifications
*Be a rising or current sophomore, Junior or Senior in college or university at the start of the Co-Op program
*Declared major of Chemical Engineering
*Currently holding a minimum 3.0 GPA
*Previous experience working in a R&D or lab environment.
*Previous team/group experience-employment, volunteering, or extracurricular activities.
*Experience with MS Office, Business Objects, statistical software.