Materials Process Engineering Intern - Summer 2026

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most - home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

The Role

QuidelOrtho is looking for a Material Process Engineering Intern that wants to spend their summer working towards our mission: Changing Lives, One Test at a Time. Interns will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop their skills all while contributing to key company projects and initiatives. Our team will help students apply their educational background and broaden their knowledge base within their role and learn more about working in the medical device/biotech industry. Interns will work with a mentor(s) on a guided and impactful project and will be able to collaborate with and be part of a supportive and dedicated team.

This Internship is a full-time (40 hours per week) paid program for 10-12 weeks.

Location: San Diego, Ca - Summers Ridge (Sorrento Valley)

Session 1 start: June 15th

Session 2 start: July 6th

NOTE: This internship is unable to support students currently on visa sponsorship.

The Responsibilities

• Support raw material characterization, qualification, and continuous improvement activities for components used in Triage devices.
• Execute materials testing, sample preparation, and structured experiments under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Perform data analysis using Excel, JMP, Minitab, or similar tools to identify trends, variability sources, and materialdriven performance impacts.
• Contribute to root cause investigations involving raw materials by gathering data, executing test methods, and documenting findings.
• Assist with material qualification activities, including test execution, data trending, and preparation of supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate lab records, test data, and documentation in accordance with GMP internal quality system requirements.
• Support updates to test methods, work instructions, or material specifications as part of project work.
• Participate in crossfunctional discussions with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing to share progress and gather technical input.
• Manage and prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining strong attention to detail and adherence to safety practices in lab and manufacturing environments.
• Drive a defined technical project related to raw material performance or improvement from initiation through completion.
• Deliver a final technical report and present a summary of project outcomes to a crossfunctional audience at the end of the internship.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

The Individual

Required:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be currently enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor's or master's program in the fall semester 2026 at an accredited university or college.
• Must be enrolled in a Materials Science or Materials Science Engineering degree, or studying in another engineering discipline with considerable focus in material science.
• Basic understanding of polymers, composites, adhesives, coatings or membranes, especially as they relate to product performance or manufacturability.
• Exposure to Design of Experiment concepts.
• Proven participation in team-based engineering or research projects, demonstrating problem solving and technical communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to support structured tasks, such as test execution, data trending, material qualification activities, and process documentation updates.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and communicate findings clearly.
• Ability to perform structured data analysis using Excel, JMP, Minitab or other similar tools.
• Proven safety awareness in a lab based or manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with Microsoft office suite.
• Minimum GPA 3.0 or higher.
• Able to start on either June 1st or July 6th.
• Ability to complete a consecutive 10-12 week internship.
• Must have work authorization in the United States at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience with material science concepts in industry.
• Experience in a GMP/regulated industry.
• Experience with Lean/Six Sigma concepts or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Rising Junior or Senior at an accredited university or college.

The Work Environment

No strenuous physical activity, though occasional light lifting of files and related materials is required. 30% of time in meetings, working with team, or talking on the phone, 70% of the time at the desk on computer, doing analytical work.

Salary Transparency

The salary range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, geography, and abilities of the candidate, in addition to internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary range for current Freshman, rising Sophomore is 18.00/hour; Sophomore, rising Junior is 20/hour; Junior, rising senior is $23.00/hour to $26.00/hour; Senior, enrolled in school for fall 2024 is 25.00/hour to 28.00/hour; or currently enrolled Graduate, MBD, PhD program is 28.00/hour to 30.00/hour. At QuidelOrtho, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

Equal Opportunity

QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform the duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@quidelortho.com.