Entry into the world of industrial research and product innovation is not easy, especially when still in school. That makes opportunities like the Henkel Product Development Internship 2026 in Madison Heights, Michigan, so precious. For chemistry or chemical engineering majors, this program offers the perfect chance to get hands-on, hone one’s skill set, and establish the foundation of a career at one of the best companies in the world.
Program Snapshot
Program: Product Development Internship
Coverage: Paid ($25/hour)
Nationality: International and U.S. applicants welcome
Degree Level: Undergraduate (sophomore or junior)
Period: 12th of January, 2026 – 19th of December, 2026
University/Host: Henkel Adhesive Technologies
Host Country: United States (Michigan, USA)
About Henkel
Henkel isn’t just a multinational. It’s a global leader with more than 150-year-long history, propelling industries as varied as consumer goods to high-tech adhesives. If you’ve ever heard of Persil® laundry detergent, Schwarzkopf® hair care, Loctite® adhesives, or Snuggle® fabric softener, there’s a good chance Henkel is already a part of your life.
At its core, Henkel operates under three principles: innovation, sustainability, and partnership. These are what drive every one of its projects, and as an intern, what you’ll see up close is how it plays out in real-world R & D.
Purpose of Internship
The Henkel Product Development Internship 2026 offers undergraduate students hands-on real-world training in Adhesive Technologies, with a special emphasis on helping projects in aid of the Automotive OEM market. Instead of sitting back and watching, interns are in the thick of it all—performing live experiments, testing new formulations, and assisting in technical reports.
Consider it as your initial entry into the world of professional industrial chemistry, where theory in the classroom converges with application at hand.
Internship Details
Internship Title: Product Development Intern – Adhesive Technologies
Location: Madison Heights, Michigan, USA
Start Date: January 12, 2026
End Date: December 19, 2026
Work Hours: 16–20 per week (potential increase in summer)
Salary: $25 per hour (negotiable)
Job ID: req75555
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Internship Responsibilities
This is not a “coffee-getting” intern kind of opportunity. Interns at Henkel are given real responsibility that matters. In this program, you will:
- Work with cross-functional teams in new-product development.
- Perform lab experiments and pilot-scale operations.
- Assess new raw materials and chemical compositions.
- Apply industrial chemistry techniques to improve products.
- Operate and manage sophisticated science equipment.
- Report results in reports and presentations.
- Continuously learn and master new chemical processes.
At the conclusion of your internship, you will also have a robust resume of hands-on research experience that can be included in your CV.
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Eligibility Requirements
Not everyone is qualified for this job—you need to meet a few qualifications. Henkel is looking for individuals who are:
- Undergraduates: In sophomore or junior year of either Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
- Lab-Savvy: Elementary lab proficiency, chemical manipulation, and protection methods.
- Analytical: Experienced in interpreting large data sets and converting results.
- Tech-Ready: Familiarity with scientific instrumentation in chemical analysis.
- Communicative: Strong written and spoken communication.
- Collaborative: Ability to work in cross-functional teams.
- Problem-Solvers: Proactive, resourceful, and up for troubleshooting.
Internship Benefits
Internship at Henkel isn’t just work, it’s career building. That’s what you can expect as an intern:
- Hands-on Projects: Engage with real-world international issues.
- Learning Access: Access over 9,000 professional courses in the Henkel learning platform.
- Networking: Engage with Henkel leaders, sustainability experts, and intern peers.
- Mentorship: Receive frequent input and guidance throughout the internship.
- Professional Growth: Engage in career events and social events.
- Future Prospects: Interns who succeed might be recalled in later internships, even permanent roles.
Note: No housing stipends and no relocation benefits.
Why Choose Henkel?
Internships are available at numerous companies, yet none match Henkel due to its global vision and emphasis on sustainability. The venerable legacy of Henkel of almost 150 years has seen it reinvent industries with innovative adhesives and household products.
Joining Henkel means joining a world of work that fosters curiosity, innovation, and advancement. You will not only gain technical expertise—you will learn what it means to work in a global corporation that does business in more than 800 industry segments.
Application Process
If You’re Ready to Apply, Here’s What You Must Do:
- Go to the Henkel Careers Portal.
- Job ID: req75555 (Product Development Intern – 2026, Madison Heights, MI).
- Fill out the online application in English.
- Wait for final approval by the Henkel Talent Acquisition team.
Important: Do not submit applications by email—only web-based submissions will be considered.
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Deadlines
The good thing is that there’s no deadline. The application remains open as long as there’s a vacancy available up in Henkel’s website. That means that, if you apply earlier, your chances will be greater.
FAQs
- The length of internships: From January 12th, 2026, Until December 19th, 2026.
- Where is it located? At Henkel’s Madison Heights, Michigan, USA.
- Application eligibility: Sophomore or junior undergraduates in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
- What’s the pay? $25 per hour, negotiable.
- Does Henkel provide housing or relocation? No, arrangements will need to be made by interns themselves.
- What kind of projects will I be working on? Chiefly in the Automobile OEM market, focusing on product testing, optimization, and experiments in test rooms.
Conclusions
Opportunities like the Henkel Product Development Internship 2026 don’t come around often. Beyond putting a line in your resume, it is about getting yourself involved in a global company that upholds innovation, sustainability, and teamwork.
If you’re a chemistry, chemical engineering, or related major who is ready for new experiences, furthering your skills, and a career, this summer internship could be that life-changing experience.
Join us now and begin building your career at Henkel.
Official call: Product Development Intern – 2026