BISStern - Quality Engineering / Lab

Overview

BISSELL is looking for a Quality Engineering Intern to support our ChemPack QA laboratory and manufacturing operations. This internship combines chemistry and quality engineering in a manufacturing environment through ownership of a new analytical technology implementation. With mentorship and support from the Quality Manager and Quality Engineer, the intern will lead the implementation of FTIR technology used primarily for incoming material quality control, while gaining real-world experience in project leadership, analytical testing, method verification, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration. The intern will also gain exposure to how laboratory technology and quality-control decisions directly support day-to-day business and manufacturing operations. The Program will run from May 17th - August 5th.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation activities for a new FTIR analytical technology within the ChemPack QA laboratory with mentorship from the Quality Manager and Quality Engineer.
• Develop and manage a project plan and timeline; track milestones, coordinate activities with stakeholders, provide regular project updates, and identify project risks or issues.
• Obtain representative raw-material and chemical samples and build a structured FTIR reference library for future incoming-material quality control. Final scope may include approximately 100–200 materials depending on project progress and inclusion of finished-product references.
• Evaluate how FTIR technology can support incoming raw-material identification and help establish appropriate quality-control acceptance criteria.
• Develop or support standard operating procedures, work instructions, sample preparation guidance, reference-library management practices, instrument verification checks, QC acceptance criteria, and training materials for sustainable use by the QA team.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Sourcing, R&D/Formulation, to obtain samples, requirements, and technical information needed for implementation.
• Explore future applications of FTIR for supporting investigative samples and quality investigations from the production environment.
• Communicate results and recommendations to project stakeholders and deliver a formal final presentation to Quality and/or Operations leadership.

Based on progress toward primary project objectives, the intern may have the opportunity to lead or support implementation of an additional analytical technology focused on color measurement. This may include development of operating procedures, documentation of supplier label color standards, and collaboration with internal Marketing and other stakeholders to establish reference data.

Qualifications

• Applicants MUST be currently enrolled at an accredited, four-year university pursuing an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Quality Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or another related technical discipline.
• Must have an anticipated graduation date of December 2027 or May 2028.
• 3.0 GPA or greater preferred.
• Coursework or demonstrated experience in chemistry, technical/scientific writing, and basic data analysis preferred.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple project activities, and communicate effectively across technical and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and seek guidance while collaborating with technical mentors.
• Previous experience with FTIR, spectroscopy, or other analytical instrumentation is preferred but not required.
• Interest in applying laboratory science and engineering principles within a manufacturing and quality-control environment.
• Comfort working in both laboratory and manufacturing environments and following applicable safety and PPE requirements.