Summer 2026
Summer 2026 R&D Intern
Hardcoats
Posted on 2/21/2026
Momentive
1,001-5,000 employees
Produces silicones and specialty solutions worldwide
Compensation Overview
$22 - $26/hr
Cohoes, NY, USA
In Person
 Data & Analytics (1) |
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- Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a Life Sciences discipline with concentration in Chemistry or Materials Science.
- Interest in hands-on work in a laboratory environment.
- The candidate must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of application and for at least one semester following the conclusion of the internship.
- The candidate is expected to be available 40 hours a week for a period of 10-12 weeks between the months of May and August.
- Coatings development for Functional Coatings Team Formulation, synthesis, application and curing of coatings - DOE - Wet synthesis and formulation development - Thermal cure and UV cure systems - Primary applications: Automotive and architectural glazing
- Analytical testing of cured films IR, UVVIS, film build, formulated viscosity, mechanical testing
- Data Analysis of cured coatings Document experimental procedures and results Analyze data using statistical methods and assist in interpreting results
- Report out findings to group/greater intern group
Momentive Performance Materials makes high-performance silicones and specialty solutions used across electronics, automotive, healthcare, energy, construction, agriculture, and consumer products. It produces and distributes silicone materials directly via an online order center and through distributors, and it helps customers locate Safety Data Sheets for its products. The company collaborates with partners on Dielectric Elastomer Actuators, devices that change size or shape in response to an electric field. Its goal is to grow its product lines and partnerships globally and pursue strategic opportunities such as the acquisition by KCC Corporation.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Seed
Total Funding
$800K
Headquarters
Niskayuna, New York
Founded
2005
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Harmonie NatuDerma and NatuVel target fast-growing natural personal-care demand.
- Brenntag expansion in the Philippines deepens Asia-Pacific distribution reach.
- Dielectric elastomer actuator collaboration opens adjacent smart-material applications.
What critics are saying
- KCC control concentrates governance and capital-allocation power in one shareholder.
- Beauty launches face crowded competition and weak repeat specification risk.
- Distributor reliance in Asia-Pacific exposes Momentive to channel reprioritization and margin pressure.
What makes Momentive unique
- Global silicone leader serving agriculture, aerospace, electronics, and healthcare.
- KCC owns 100% of Momentive after the 2024 acquisition.
- New CMO and CCO appointments sharpen marketing and commercial execution.
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Your Connections
People at Momentive who can refer or advise you
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Short Term Disability
Paid Time Off
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Student Debt Pay-off Program
Professional Development Budget
Wellness Program
Flexible Work Hours
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 2%1 year growth
↑ 2%2 year growth
↑ 2%In-cosmetics Global 2026: Momentive expands natural ingredient offerings. Key takeaways. * Momentive will debut Harmonie NatuDerma and showcase NatuVel gel at In-cosmetics Global 2026 in Paris. * Momentive will debut Harmonie NatuDerma and showcase NatuVel gel at In-cosmetics Global 2026 in Paris. * The Harmonie portfolio highlights advanced sensory benefits and multifunctional formulation capabilities. Momentive Performance Materials will debut its Harmonie NatuDerma emollient and showcase its Harmonie NatuVel gel at In-cosmetics Global 2026, Paris, France (14-16 April). The international silicones and specialty solutions company will present additions to its beauty and personal care offerings through the expansion of its Harmonie portfolio. It also plans to discuss emerging consumer and ingredient trends. "Consumers are increasingly demanding naturally derived solutions that truly perform, and that is where the Harmonie line stands out. From our 100% biobased elastomer to the new Harmonie NatuDerma emollient, we are expanding a portfolio that bridges responsible sourcing, formulation functionality, and elevated sensory experiences," says Jose Luis Conde, global business leader of Naturals at Momentive. The company's offerings will also be featured in the In-cosmetics Sensory Zone, underlining the advanced sensorial experiences said to be provided by the ingredients on display. Sustainable solutions. With a focus on sustainability that does not compromise performance, Momentive leverages its focus on plant and mineral-based feedstocks to provide natural-origin solutions for ecologically-minded formulators. According to the company, this approach underscores the increasing demand for sustainable innovation. The Harmonie NatuDerma emollient is a fully naturally derived, vegan, non-comedogenic, long-chain branched alkane. It was developed to provide a long-wear skin moisturizing solution. Its low carbon emission production, as well as its compatibility with various raw materials, is said to make the emollient a favorable option for formulators interested in naturally-sourced, high-efficacy ingredients. Meanwhile, NatuVel gel is a 100% biobased elastomer gel and has won eight awards for its enhanced sensory experience, multifunctional performance, and adaptability across SPF, skin care, and color cosmetics formulations since its launch in 2025. "This year, we are showcasing technologies that combine sensory excellence, formulation efficiency, and strong consumer-driven benefits, enabling brands to create," says Andy Park, global business leader for Beauty & Personal Care at Momentive.
Brenntag expands partnership with Momentive in asia-pacific. Brenntag has signed a new distribution agreement with Momentive Performance Materials Inc. The company's product portfolio features advanced silicone and specialty solutions that enhance performance across a wide range of industries, including building and construction, and niche sectors like specialty fluids, silanes, and additives. The new agreement covers the Philippines market and follows existing distribution partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam. With this extension, Brenntag's Material Science CASE division will provide customers in the Philippines with access to Momentive's portfolio of advanced silicone and specialty solutions, including its CoatOSil(TM) additives for coatings and Silquest(TM) silanes, supported by Brenntag's strong market presence and formulation expertise. Santosh Satam, director, material science, CASE Asia Pacific, Brenntag Specialties said, "This expanded partnership reflects Brenntag's commitment to delivering innovation and performance to the CASE industry. By combining Momentive's cutting-edge silicone and specialty technologies with our regional network and application know-how, we are well positioned to help customers in the Philippines enhance their products and accelerate growth." Additional information about Brenntag is available at www.brenntag.com.
Momentive Performance Materials has taken the wraps off Harmonie NatuVel gel - a 100% biobased elastomer gel - at in-cosmetics Global 2025 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The partnership combines Momentive's global expertise with Hungpai's manufacturing capabilities of silane products, including organofunctional silanes, to better serve the growing Asia-Pacific market.
KCC Corporation has completed the acquisition of Momentive Performance Materials Group, fully integrating the company and resulting in the exit of minority shareholder SJL Partners, LLC. KCC, the majority shareholder since 2020, announced the sale in March. Momentive President and CEO Sam Conzone and KCC Chairman Mong Jin Chung expressed optimism about the strategic and long-term growth potential under KCC's sole ownership.