R&D Engineering Intern

D’Addario & Company is the largest manufacturer and distributor of musical instrument accessories in the world. As a US based manufacturing company, we pride ourselves on high automation machinery and innovative technology, as well as our commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. Through our D'Addario Foundation we are committed to helping make music education possible and ensuring thousands of children can participate in instrument instruction programs in under-served communities. Most importantly, we pride ourselves on our diverse team of individuals who commit to the embodiment of our core values of curiosity, passion, candor, family and responsibility and translate them into action every day.

We are currently looking for an R&D Engineering intern to join our team this summer. The R&D Engineering Intern will be responsible for learning and applying the analytical techniques necessary to test D’Addario products. Coursework in mechanical engineering, material science, and/or acoustics is appropriate for this role.

The R&D Engineering Intern will work daily on-site at our Farmingdale, NY headquarters, over a three-month timeframe between June 3 and August 30, 2024. 

Job Summary:  The R&D Engineering Intern is responsible for learning and applying the analytical techniques necessary to test D’Addario products. Coursework in mechanical engineering, material science, and/or acoustics is appropriate for this role.  

 Possible Projects: 

Musical Instrument Wire - Mechanical Properties Measurement  

• Collect wire and string samples from production, perform tensile testing, statistically analyze test results, contribute to material properties database.
• Determine minimum break strength across a range of hex and round steel wires.
• Implement in-process data collection and review process data vs. specified limits.

Orchestral and Classical Guitar Strings - Longitudinal Stiffness Measurement 

• Develop technique for measuring longitudinal stiffness of monofilament, multifilament, and steel cable core strings.
• Collect string samples from production, perform longitudinal stiffness testing, analyze test results, contribute to string performance testing database.
• Assist in data interpretation and reporting.

 Woodwind Reeds - Acoustic Characterization and Correlation Study 

• Utilize woodwind reed acoustic test rig to characterize reeds of various geometries, strengths, and moisture content.
• Assess correlations between measurable acoustic, mechanical, and material properties of woodwind reeds.
• Explore possible relationships between quantitative measurements and subjective playing experience.
• Evaluate in-process reed strength measurement systems, quantify measurement accuracy and repeatability, develop calibration methods.
• Assess within-batch and batch-to-batch variation of reed strengths.
• Assess effectiveness of various packaging methods at maintaining reed moisture content under shipping and storage conditions.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Has completed 3rd year undergraduate program in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Acoustics, or related area of studies.
• Musically proficient
• Team player
• Eager to learn and do hands-on work in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel. Familiarity with Minitab is a plus.

The base salary range for this role would be commensurate with experience:  $20-$25 per hour.