What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research and Development Engineering Intern position at Ecolab and Careers?
Own your future as an intern at Ecolab! Our internship program provides you with invaluable insights from leaders across Ecolab, engaging and challenging projects, opportunities for personal and professional growth, extensive networking, and the chance to immerse yourself in our innovative and dynamic environment.
Ecolab is seeking Research, Development & Engineering Interns to join our summer 2026 Internship program. Engineering interns in RDE support all business units of a globally diversified technology/service company, creating a dynamic, challenging, and varying work environment. This position will entail a variety of Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering work with a focus on either new product/application development or process engineering. As an RDE intern, you will participate in and support all stages of product development and application commercialization, from initial product idea generation and brainstorming to the final manufacturing process and post-launch support.
What’s in it For You:
The opportunity to take on some of the world’s most meaningful challenges, helping customers achieve clean water, safe food and healthy environments
The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth
The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives and ideas to achieve our best
Apply what you learn in the classroom to meaningful projects that have genuine business impact
Finish your internship with a realistic job preview of what a “day in the life” of an Ecolab associate looks like
Be considered for a full-time job offer (to start upon graduation) at the end of a successful internship.
What You Will Do:
Perform research, design, and test, for product improvement and development of new and launched products, chemical dispensing systems, and/or control systems
Test, evaluate, and analyze formulations and/or systems to determine or prove performance and reliability
Identify and evaluate technologies to advance the performance and reliability of existing and new products
Ensure compliance with design criteria and standards
Chemical Engineers: Design experiments to understand the dynamics of chemical processes and formulations
Mechanical Engineers: Participate in the design and development of new chemical dispensers and control systems
Electrical Engineers: Participate in the design and development of new embedded circuit board designs
Position Details:
11-week paid internship program, starting on Monday, June 1, 2026
Positions are located in Eagan, MN or Naperville, IL
Relocation assistance may be available
Opportunity for a hybrid work environment, balancing office days with working remotely
Minimum Qualifications:
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with an anticipated graduation date of December 2026 or May/June 2027
Immigration sponsorship not available for this role
11-week internship program, starting on Monday, June 1, 2026
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated project leadership skills
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Effective oral communication skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail
Experience developing test procedures and methods, and execution of tests
Ability to work both independently and as a team member
Sound academic training
About Ecolab
A trusted partner at nearly three million customer locations spanning over 170 countries, Ecolab is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services. Our team delivers comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights and personalized service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, optimize water and energy use and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, hospitality and industrial markets.
When you come to work at Ecolab, you get to take on some of the world’s most meaningful challenges and have the opportunity to learn and grow, shape your career, make an impact and quickly see the importance of your work.
Annual or Hourly Compensation Range:
Benefits
Ecolab provides the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, auto insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, identity theft protection, short-term and long-term disability, 401k, pension plans, retirement health care benefits, short-term incentives, vacation (12 days), holidays, parental leave, employee stock purchase plans (Full-Time Associates), discount on day care services and caregiver services, adoption assistance, group legal services, employee assistance program, employee discount program, and education assistance program, on-Site childcare and fitness facilities may be available at select Ecolab locations. Click here for additional benefits information. If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.
Potential Customer Requirements Notice
To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:
- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.
- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is requested by the applicant and approved by Ecolab.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.
Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging
At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are inclusive. We are on a journey to create a workplace where every associate can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.
In addition, we are committed to furthering the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) through Affirmative Action (AA).
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.
Salary : $23 - $25