Paragon - Asphalt Laboratory Co-op

Paragon Technical Services seeks an Asphalt Laboratory Co-op to join our team. The Ergon family of companies provides long-lasting, high-value solutions that help customers improve the performance of everyday products worldwide. Our story began in 1954 in Jackson, Mississippi, with just two employees and a used fuel transport truck. Today, Ergon employs over 4,200 employees worldwide, providing solutions essential to global manufacturing and infrastructure needs. We have delivered innovative products and solutions for ever-changing needs for seven decades. A well-diversified organization, Ergon operates across several industries related to the refining and marketing of specialty oils, asphalt, thermoplastic resins, petrochemicals, and propane, as well as the supporting infrastructure. Because we are customer-centric, diverse, and highly integrated, and manage various parts of the value chain, we see customer needs from various angles. That allows us to provide holistic, efficiently engineered, and customized solutions and specialized services. We strive to be the world's preferred partner for solutions that drive customer success.

Position Summary

The Asphalt Laboratory Co-op will support the daily operations of Paragon, the development laboratory supporting Ergon's Pavement & Coating Resources business. This role provides hands‑on experience with asphalt materials testing, sample preparation, data collection, and exposure to the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes used within the paving and petroleum industries. The intern will work closely with experienced lab technicians, chemists, and engineers to assist with testing procedures and help evaluate asphalt performance characteristics.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, handling, and testing of asphalt binder, asphalt emulsion, and aggregate samples.
• Record, organize, and maintain test data in accordance with lab standards.
• Help maintain lab cleanliness, calibration logs, and safety documentation.
• Support ongoing research and development projects.
• Follow all safety procedures related to hot materials, chemicals, and lab equipment.
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot testing issues or irregularities.
• Perform other duties or project work as assigned.

Learning Opportunities

During the co-op program, the student will gain exposure to:

• Asphalt binder performance grading (PG) systems
• Industry testing methods (ASTM, AASHTO, and internal standards)
• R&D project workflows, testing cycles, and reporting
• Real-world applications of materials science and engineering
• Quality control processes in manufacturing and product development
• Laboratory safety standards and equipment operation

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a STEM-related degree program (Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Construction Management, or a related field).
• Completed at least two semesters of coursework while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Committed to work in this position a minimum of three semesters alternating with school.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety protocols.
• Good organizational and data‑entry skills.
• Willingness to learn and take on hands‑on technical work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during lab work.
• Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working around hot materials and industrial equipment (with proper training and PPE).

Work Environment

• Primarily laboratory setting with exposure to heated asphalt, chemicals, and testing equipment.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and required at all times.

Why Paragon?

At Paragon Technical Services, our projects directly influence the performance of pavements across the country. This role offers a rare opportunity to:

• Gain hands on experience with meaningful, applied research that shapes real-world outcomes
• Work closely with senior technical and business leadership experts who are invested in your growth
• Help shape asphalt paving, preventative maintenance, and performance strategies
• Be part of a culture that values teamwork, work/life balance, and recognition
• Explore potential opportunities for full-time employment after graduation with a fast-growing and successful company.

Here, engineering judgment, scientific rigor, and practical impact come together.

At Ergon Inc., we live by our core values:

• Empowered Service: Together, we're committed to delivering unparalleled service. We do what's right, provide solutions, and foster stronger relationships with our teams and customers. Employee safety is our top priority and the first consideration in all aspects of our service. That's empowered service.
• Selfless Leadership: We lead with compassion and put those around us before ourselves. We don't say we're experts; we demonstrate it through technical expertise, category innovation, and care for what we do. We call this selfless leadership.
• Purposeful Growth: We believe employee and company growth go hand in hand. We build our legacy together to ensure future success through purposeful growth. The company has continually reinvested tremendously back into the business, not just growing for the sake of growing but growing carefully and strategically.
• Respectful Relationships: Together, we foster a culture of respect, acceptance, and diversity of ideas and people. Our differences make us stronger. We're united by our shared values, constantly forging respectful relationships.

Come and join the Ergon team!

We are an EEO/AAP employer.

Job Role: Asphalt Laboratory Co-op

Location: Richland, MS

Ergon, Inc. is an EEO employer and a drug-free workplace. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US and have a valid driver's license. Any employment offers are contingent upon a pre-employment drug test, background check, and MVR.