R&D Intern - Simpsonville, SC

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

What You Can Expect From H.B. Fuller's Internship Program

You’ll be joining a cohort of talented students from a variety of schools across the U.S. We hire interns into the following positions: Process Engineering, R&D, Strategic Sourcing, Technical Sales, Supply Chain, Product Marketing, Information Technology, and more.

The projects we task our interns to lead are impactful and meaningful to our organization. You’ll be supported by your Manager and Mentor to gain in-depth knowledge of the adhesive industry and collaborate with various departments and functions. We also offer an established path for next-level opportunities - making this internship the starting point for a long-term career path.

Internship Location: Simpsonville, SC

Our Internship Experience Includes

• 12-week paid program beginning the end of May to mid-August to gain insight and knowledge in your field.
• Interactive orientation and events with skilled professionals in your field, including managers, directors, and CEO.
• Multiple networking, volunteer and fun events – both virtual and in-person.
• Impactful projects that make a difference internally and externally for H.B. Fuller.
• End of summer final presentation to showcase your career development with support from managers and peers.
  
  
  

Position Overview

The R&D Summer Intern will support research and development efforts within the HHC business unit, focusing on sustainable materials in a fast-paced, strategic market. Based in Simpsonville, SC, this role will assist the water-based/polymer team in developing innovative coating technologies. The internship centers on enhancing barrier protection in coatings by scouting high-performing raw materials and synthesizing new polymers, contributing to the shift away from polyethylene paper coatings toward recyclable, repulpable, and compostable alternatives.

Interns will gain hands-on experience in performance testing, polymer synthesis, water-based coating formulation, and industrial production processes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare, apply, and test coating samples to evaluate performance characteristics
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to assess chemical and physical properties of materials
• Support product development by evaluating new materials, reformulating existing products, and synthesizing polymers
• Collaborate with team members to improve current formulations and meet performance targets
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment in both individual and shared lab spaces
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Rising senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science, or a related field
• Strong interest in sustainable materials and industrial applications
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a lab setting
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience designing and synthesizing water-based polymers
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and computer-based analysis tools;
  
  
  

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.

The salary for this role is $22-$25 per hour based on field of study..

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.