Research and Development Internship - Year-Round (Halstead, KS)

THE COMPANY
Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist that develops and produces sustainable, safe and convenient solutions for automotive manufacturers as well as industrial and end customers worldwide. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and currently employs around 95,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industry specialists. The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 39,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.4 billion euros (2024), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.
 

Are you ready to shape the future with us?

Internship is year-round and paid. Continental will not offer relocation for internship opportunities. 

Your Tasks

As an Intern on the R&D team, you will support the design, development, and testing of rubber belting products used in industrial applications. This role provides hands-on experience working with engineered materials, product performance testing, and manufacturing processes such as calendering, extrusion, and curing.

You will collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams to evaluate belt performance, improve product designs, and contribute to innovation efforts focused on durability, efficiency, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with design and development of rubber belting products and components.
• Support product testing and validation, including tensile strength, adhesion, wear, and durability testing.
• Collect, analyze, and report on test data and product performance results.
• Help create and update CAD models, technical drawings, and product specifications.
• Participate in prototype development and trial runs within manufacturing.
• Assist with root cause analysis of product failures or quality issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product design and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and operations teams to ensure product designs meet production capabilities.
• Document findings and present technical reports and project updates to engineering leadership.

What You Bring to the Role

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Students must be at a minimum sophomore standing with a GPA  2.8 or higher.
• Basic understanding of mechanical design, material properties, and manufacturing processes.
• Interest in rubber materials, polymers, or industrial product applications.
• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and present technical data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Legal work authorization to work in the US is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job opening.

Additional Ways to Stand Out

• Coursework or experience related to polymers, rubber materials, or materials science.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as extrusion, calendering, or curing/press operations.
• Experience with lab testing equipment (tensile testing, hardness, abrasion, etc.).
• Exposure to product development, testing, or quality engineering projects.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environments.

What We Offer

• Paid internship with competitive hourly compensation.
• Hands-on experience working with industrial rubber products and manufacturing processes.
• Opportunity to contribute to real-world R&D and product performance improvement projects.
• Mentorship from experienced engineers specializing in rubber belting and materials.
• Exposure to product lifecycle processes from design and material selection to testing and production.
• Cross-functional experience with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.
• Networking opportunities and potential consideration for future internships or full-time engineering roles.

Students from locations outside of the United States must be employed by Continental in their home country or actively enrolled in a Continental sponsored international intern program to be considered for an internship in the United States. The Company does not sponsor visas for international interns.

Continental will not offer relocation for internship opportunities. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

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