Surface Design Summer Intern

THE COMPANY
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 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 42,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.8 billion euros (2023), 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?

Join a creative, fast‑moving team where your ideas help shape the next generation of surface material products. As a Surface Design Intern, you’ll work at the intersection of design, innovation, and market trends—bringing new designs to life for our LivTec and Automotive customers. This role is perfect for someone who loves turning inspiration into tangible prototypes and wants hands‑on experience in a real product development environment.

You’ll contribute to the full design cycle—from early trend exploration to prototyping and cross‑functional collaboration—helping ensure our products stand out in the market.

• Concept Creation & Trend‑Driven Design Develop innovative product concepts inspired by emerging trends, customer requests, and competitive market insights for LivTec and Automotive product lines.

• Prototype Development Produce small‑scale samples of selected concepts (approximately 20 prototyped samples) through our in‑house design center.

• End-to-End Product Development Support concept refinement, file creation, prototyping, production preparation and technical checks and production of final product.

• Product Process & Printing Support Build an understanding of product development steps and assist with printing‑related topics for our newest and most innovative printed pool products.

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work closely with technical teams, sales, and product management to ensure concepts transition smoothly into manufacturable, sellable products.

• Market and Trend Research Analyze customer, market and regional trends to ensure our designs align with real market demand.  Investigate new design techniques, materials and market opportunities that help keep our product lines competitive.

• Business-Focused Design Strategy Connect concepts to trends and present them in ways that resonate with customers - ultimately contributing to products that successfully sell.

• End‑of‑Internship Leadership Presentation — Deliver a polished, professional presentation to the management team summarizing your findings, recommendations, and project impact.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Safety is our highest priority and safety procedures and guidelines must always be adhered to.  Applicants must be able to work in a manufacturing industrial environment and be able to wear personal protective equipment such as safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• Currently enrolled in a U.S.-accredited college, university, or technical school with a minimum 2.8 GPA.
• Pursuing a degree in Design, Art, Graphic Design, Product Development, or a related field of study.
• Proficient in Design Software (Adobe Suite & Adobe Photoshop), MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.

Additional Details

• This is a paid, full‑time summer internship.  Internship dates will be through the summer months.
• Relocation and housing assistance are not provided.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Sponsorship for employment visas is not available now or in the future for this role.

THE PERKS

• Competitive Pay
• Hands-on Experience with the Team
• Project Experience
• Networking Opportunity
• And more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

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.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.