2026 R&D Co-op -Automotive

This position is a comprehensive 24-week learning experience in Performance Coatings Group Automotive Refinish R&D. Students will be assigned to a specific lab and will be given a mentor.  Co-ops will also be given a Technical Project in which they will present at the end of their assignment. Students will be active participants on a project team and will have periodic reviews to evaluate their performance. Students will participate in a number of special networking and learning events throughout their assignment. This opportunity will allow students to gain experience in work groups, as well as working with other Interns and Co-ops.

Upon completion of construction, the individual selected for this role will primarily work at the new Sherwin-Williams Global Technology Center in Brecksville, Ohio. 

All hires must go through a background check before the start of employment.

This position is for a minimum of 6 months starting in January 2026 with the a potential option of being extended to 12 months. This position is on site only at Morikis Global Technology Center in Brecksville, OH. 

• Prepare Coating Solutions: Formulate and prepare coating samples by blending various additives, solvents, catalysts and resins according to experimental designs and project requirements.

• Sample Application: Apply coatings using drawdown and spray techniques to produce consistent and uniform test panels.

• Sample Evaluation: Evaluate coating performance through optical, mechanical, and chemical testing methods, including gloss, color, adhesion, hardness, and solvent resistance.

• Stability Testing: Conduct stability and compatibility tests on coating solutions to monitor changes in appearance, viscosity, pH and performance over time.

• Data Recording and Analysis: Accurately record experimental data, summarize results, and assist in interpreting performance trends for process or formulation improvements.

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with research scientists and engineers to support ongoing projects and deliver technical results to the New Product Development (NPD) team.

• Laboratory Maintenance: Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment in compliance with company safety and quality standards.

Minimum Requirements
•    Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree program in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (“STEM”) at the time of the internship program
•    Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age 
•    Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without needing sponsorship for employment work visa status now or in the future
•    Must be willing to work up to 40 hours per week for a total of 24 weeks, with or without reasonable accommodation
•    Minimum of 2.8 GPA  

Preferred Qualifications 
•Be a rising or current sophomore, Junior or Senior in college or university at the start of the Co-Op program   
•Declared major of Chemical Engineering  
•Currently holding a minimum 3.0 GPA
•Previous experience working in a R&D or lab environment.
•Previous team/group experience-employment, volunteering, or extracurricular activities.
•Experience with MS Office, Business Objects, statistical software.

At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:

Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible

At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute—it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at