Process Engineer Intern, Summer 2026 (Fayetteville)

Process Engineer Intern, Summer 2026

Location : Fayetteville, NC

Who We Are :

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray :

Founded in 1926, Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation :

Be part of a historic milestone as we celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026! Our centennial year will be filled with local and global events, storytelling campaigns, and sustainability initiatives that reflect Kuraray's legacy and future vision. Interns are encouraged to participate in commemorative projects and anniversary events while experiencing firsthand what it means to be part of a company with a century-long commitment to innovation, safety, and community impact.

Internship Summary :

The Engineer Intern will support key initiatives aimed at improving product quality, operational efficiency, and process reliability. This role involves identifying and implementing solutions to reduce recycling volumes attributed to Other Process Problems, coordinating capital purchases for spare SentryGlas and Line 4 equipment, and aligning with project engineers on Management of Change (MOC) documentation for the Line 4 Extruder Recirculation Project. The intern will work closely with operations to manage recycle rates and inventory based on process test results, assist in the qualification of a new Lowinox vendor, and support the commissioning of laboratory testing equipment. Additional responsibilities include participating in local and global yield improvement meetings, leading a Test Authorization (TA) to evaluate the relationship between UV absorber concentration and UV transmission in SentryGlas 5000 products, and migrating the CADD Drawing System from an Excel-based format to a SharePoint platform. This position offers hands-on experience in cross-functional collaboration, technical problem-solving, and continuous improvement within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

The paid internship will be 13 weeks in duration for the summer of 2026 with flexible start dates. Student interns must be able to work full-time. The internship will be split between a major project and daily tasks. Housing will not be provided for the internship.

Responsibilities :

• Identify and implement strategies to reduce recycling volumes categorized under Other Process Problems
• Coordinate the capital procurement of spare SentryGlas components and Line 4 equipment
• Collaborate with the project engineer to align on Management of Change documentation for the Line 4 Extruder Recirculation Project
• Work closely with SentryGlas operations to manage recycle rates and inventory levels based on process testing outcomes
• Support the qualification process for a new Lowinox vendor in collaboration with Anna Jones
• Assist the Engineering Specialist with the qualification and commissioning of new laboratory testing equipment
• Participate in both local and global yield improvement meetings to contribute to performance optimization
• Lead a Test Authorization initiative to compare UV absorber concentration with UV transmission in SentryGlas 5000 products
• Transition of the CADD Drawing System from an Excel-based format to a SharePoint-based platform

Minimum Qualifications :

Competencies :

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer disability / protected veteran status. No third-party candidates accepted.