Product Development & Product Line Management Intern

This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting Product Line Management and Product Development within Milliken's Apparel Strategic Business Unit. The intern will contribute to meaningful projects focused on innovation, product development, commercialization, and portfolio management while collaborating with cross-functional teams across Product Management, R&D, Marketing, Sales, and Operations.

The Apparel SBU develops advanced textile solutions that serve some of the world’s most demanding markets. Interns will gain exposure to Polartec® performance fabrics used by leading outdoor and athletic brands, next-generation military textile systems supporting service members worldwide, thermal and flame-resistant fabrics that help protect firefighters, and innovative workwear solutions worn by industrial professionals every day.

This role is designed to provide practical experience across the product lifecycle, from concept development and customer needs assessment through product launch and market adoption.

This internship is a full-time (40 hours/week), paid position that is 11–12 weeks in length during the summer of 2027, located at our Spartanburg, SC location.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Product Line Managers and Product Development teams on strategic growth and innovation initiatives
• Assist with new product development and commercialization projects across Polartec®, Military, Fire Service, and Workwear markets
• Conduct competitive benchmarking, customer research, and market analysis to identify opportunities for growth
• Support product testing, specification management, and development documentation
• Analyze product portfolio performance and recommend opportunities for optimization
• Assist with stage-gate development processes and project management activities
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and R&D teams to execute business priorities
• Develop reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership reviews
• Present project findings, recommendations, and outcomes at the conclusion of the internship

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• Candidates pursuing a BS degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Product Development, Business, Marketing, or related field
• Strong user of Microsoft Office suite of products, with advanced Excel skills
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational and communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team environment

QUALIFICATIONS – PREFERRED

• Exposure to product development, textiles, apparel, materials, or manufacturing processes
• Experience with data analysis and project management tools
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management concepts
• Prior internship, research, project, or leadership experience

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Ownership of a strategic product development project with measurable business impact
• Exposure to globally recognized brands and technologies, including Polartec®, military protective systems, firefighter protective fabrics, and advanced workwear solutions
• Hands-on experience supporting innovation, product commercialization, and portfolio strategy.
• Direct interaction with Product Managers, R&D leaders, and senior business leadership
• Professional development and networking opportunities