Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.
Position Summary
Ascend Performance Materials is seeking highly motivated, intellectually curious students for a data science internship within its Value Office.
This role focuses on leveraging data science, advanced analytics, and AI (including LLMs such as ChatGPT) to drive measurable business value across the organization. The Value Office identifies and unlocks value through data-driven insights, improved decision-making, and optimization of business processes.
We are looking for individuals passionate about deep analytics, real-world problem solving, and translating data into tangible business outcomes. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where interns will work across functions and global datasets to support value creation initiatives.
Interns will be mentored by senior data science leadership and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams. High-performing candidates may be considered for extended opportunities based on demonstrated impact.
What You’ll Work On
-
Apply data science within the Value Office to identify, quantify, and deliver business value
-
Leverage LLMs and AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to accelerate analysis and solution development
-
Work with diverse global datasets (structured, unstructured, observational, and incomplete)
-
Support initiatives aimed at:
-
Improving process efficiency and operational reliability
-
Enhancing commercial and strategic decision-making
-
Identifying cost, productivity, and margin improvement opportunities
-
Translate complex or ambiguous business challenges into clear, data-driven insights and actions
-
Collaborate with stakeholders across operations, engineering, commercial, and corporate functions
-
Communicate findings with a strong focus on business impact and value creation
Key Responsibilities
-
Analyze and integrate multi-source, real-world data to generate actionable insights
-
Develop and test analytical models, forecasts, and decision-support tools
-
Utilize AI/LLM tools to enhance productivity and accelerate solution development
-
Identify and quantify value creation opportunities across the business
-
Validate solutions with stakeholders and refine based on feedback
-
Support the development of scalable tools and approaches within the Value Office framework
-
Communicate results clearly, linking analysis directly to business outcomes
What We’re Looking For
-
Strong passion for data science applied to business value creation
-
Experience working with data in Python, R, or similar environments
-
Understanding of machine learning techniques (regression, forecasting, pattern recognition)
-
Interest in and practical use of LLMs / generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT)
-
Ability to work with messy, incomplete, real-world datasets
-
Strong problem-solving mindset with a focus on impact and execution
-
Excellent communication skills; ability to translate technical insights into business language
-
Self-starter with the ability to work independently and across teams
Preferred Qualifications
-
Coursework or experience in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Statistics, or related fields
-
Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
-
Exposure to cloud/data platforms (e.g., Azure)
-
Experience applying analytics to real-world business or operational challenges
Additional Requirements
-
Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university
-
GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
-
Must be local to Houston with reliable transportation to our downtown headquarters
What Success Looks Like
By the end of the internship, you will have:
-
Delivered data-driven insights or tools that create measurable business value
-
Demonstrated the ability to translate data into actionable outcomes
-
Worked effectively across business and technical teams
-
Presented your work and impact to leadership and peers
At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.
About Us:
Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.
Why work at Ascend?
Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.
We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.
Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.
Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs
Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.
One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.
