Intern-Research & Development - Bristol, PA

About Dunmore International Corp:

Acquired by Steel Partners in February 2018 as part of the Diversified Industrial Segment, Dunmore manufactures innovative technical films for Aerospace, Automotive, Commercial Graphics, Packaging applications. Dunmore has deep expertise in novel coatings, films and multi-layer laminates based on 14,000 unique chemistries and constructions, and significant experience in handling foils, plastics and fabrics. As a trusted Industry partner for over 50 years, Dunmore collaborates with customers in high growth markets to design, develop and manufacture a range of highly engineered value-added product solutions. Dunmore clients include several Fortune 500 companies across 25 countries and is a Gold Level Supplier to one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers. Dunmore's mission is to delight its customers through technical innovation, high levels of service and open collaboration to solve difficult application problems.

Summary

The R&D Intern will work within Dunmore's R&D department to evaluate, document, and improve laboratory workflows, test protocols, and product qualification processes.

This hands-on, analytical role focuses on establishing standardized testing frameworks for films and laminates - ensuring consistency across general materials testing, market-specific performance requirements, and customer- or application-specific qualifications (e.g., aerospace vs. packaging).

The intern will collaborate with R&D scientists, Quality, and Engineering teams to support both process efficiency and technical compliance, contributing to Dunmore's goal of faster, data-driven product development cycles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Map and document current lab workflows, from material preparation through testing, data recording, and customer reporting.

• Review and consolidate existing test protocols for coated and laminated films - identifying redundancies, inconsistencies, and missing documentation.

• Develop a tiered testing framework that includes:

• Standard film tests

• Market-specific protocols

• Application-specific qualification templates (e.g. insulation vs. satellite multilayer insulation vs. aircraft interior laminates).

• Create a qualification matrix linking tests, specifications, and applicable standards (ASTM, SAE, NASA, customer-defined).

• Support alignment of lab documentation and data capture with future state, ensuring all test protocols are digitization-ready.

• Participate in process improvement initiatives to reduce test turnaround times and improve data traceability.

• Present findings and recommendations to R&D and Quality leadership at the end of the internship.

• Other Duties as needed or required

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:

• Strong interest in testing, qualification, and process engineering.

• Coursework or experience in materials, thermodynamics, or aerospace systems.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI) and basic understanding of lab instrumentation a plus.

Education and Experience

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline.

Physical Demands - OFFICE / TRAVEL

• Standing/Sitting: 50/50%

• Walking/Bending/Stooping: 25%

• Lifting Requirements: 25 pounds

• Travel by air, rail, auto (5% of time)

• Work in manufacturing area, QA lab and office areas

• Exposures - Odors, Fumes, Noise, Chemicals, Temperature, Vision strain, Moving parts.

Dunmore International Corp. is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Dunmore makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, business needs at the time.