Co-op

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they are doing!

We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Excited to grow your career?

We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply! Our people make all the difference in our success.

This position will be responsible for the testing and refinement of the chemical systems in the surface finishing department for our current and potential customers. These chemical systems are intended to clean, pre-treat, strip paint, and/or remove rust from a variety of metals and plastics. These processes require you to be detail oriented, hands-on, and willing to make adjustments on the fly. As a co-op, you will also be aiding in the testing and development of new products for our surface finishing line.

Laboratory Testing & Analysis

• Perform routine chemical and physical testing using established laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and samples according to documented test methods.
• Analyze experimental data, identify trends or unusual results, and communicate observations to technical team members.
• Apply scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills when evaluating laboratory results.
• Troubleshoot routine testing or analytical issues and recognize when additional technical guidance is required.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and work areas to support accurate, efficient, and reproducible testing.

Safety & Quality

• Follow all DuBois laboratory safety requirements, chemical hygiene practices, and applicable standard operating procedures.
• Properly handle, label, store, and dispose of chemicals and customer samples.
• Review Safety Data Sheets and understand hazards associated with laboratory chemicals prior to use.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace.
• Perform testing with strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and quality.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with R&D, Technical Services, Sales, and other cross-functional partners to support customer needs.
• Communicate laboratory observations and results clearly to technical team members.
• Participate in discussions regarding customer challenges, test plans, and interpretation of laboratory findings.
• Balance multiple customer requests and testing priorities in a fast-paced technical environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory methods, documentation, and workflows.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong interest in hands-on laboratory work and applied problem solving.
• Ability to follow established test methods while working independently after appropriate training.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when conducting experiments, recording observations, and handling data.
• Ability to interpret laboratory results and connect experimental observations to practical technical problems.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple testing requests.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a technical team.
• Strong commitment to laboratory safety and proper chemical handling.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn about pulp and paper manufacturing processes, industrial chemistry, and chemical applications.

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Paper Science & Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Previous laboratory experience through academic coursework, research, employment, or prior co-op/internship experience preferred.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory practices, chemical calculations, and data analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to safely work in a laboratory environment while handling chemical and industrial samples in accordance with established safety procedures.

DuBois provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, service in the military, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and/or local law and/or regulation.

DuBois provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, service in the military, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and/or local law and/or regulation.