R&D Intern - February 2027

Hunter Douglas Europe; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 11,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter Douglas Europe in Rotterdam, Netherlands seeks an R&D Intern – Design Automation to help automate HeartFelt ceiling layouts and material lists. You will explore AI tools, automation methods, and prototype solutions, collaborating with R&D, Product Management, Engineering and Design teams, and IT/digitalisation stakeholders.

The role focuses on understanding current processes, gathering requirements, evaluating tools, and creating standardized design rules for HeartFelt and related

Qualifications

• Currently studying towards a degree in Engineering, Product Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, Building or Civil Engineering.
• Fluency in English; Dutch is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data handling.
• Experience with CAD software or similar design tools is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Analyse HeartFelt layouts and material lists for opportunities to automate.
• Gather requirements and translate them into potential automation solutions.
• Research software, AI tools, and automation technologies for layout generation.
• Assess feasibility of internal vs. external tools and prototypes.
• Document findings and present outcomes to stakeholders.

Skills

Engineering

Product Design

Industrial Design

Architecture

Education

Engineering/Design degree

Tools

CAD software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Duration: Internship (minimum 6 months)

About Hunter Douglas

Hunter Douglas is the global market leader in window coverings and architectural products. With a strong focus on innovation, operational excellence, and collaboration, we are committed to delivering high-quality solutions while continuously improving how we work across our global supply chain.

The Role

Are you interested in combining engineering, design and automation to solve a real business challenge?

As our R&D Intern – Design Automation, you will work on an innovation project focused on automating the creation of HeartFelt ceiling layouts based on architects’ briefs, including the generation of associated material lists.

You will investigate existing technologies, AI tools and automation solutions, assess different approaches and help develop a prototype or proof of concept. Your work will contribute to making the ceiling design process faster, more standardised and easier to use for both internal teams and customers.

You will work closely with colleagues across R&D, Product Management, Engineering and Design, with exposure to IT and Digitalisation stakeholders where relevant.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse the current process for creating HeartFelt layouts and material lists and identify opportunities for automation.
• Gather requirements from relevant teams and translate these into potential solutions.
• Research and evaluate existing software, AI tools and automation technologies for layout generation.
• Assess the feasibility of developing an internal solution versus using an existing external tool.
• Support the development of aprototype or proof-of-concept solution.
• Help create standardised design rules and templates for HeartFelt and other ceiling systems.
• Explore methods for automatically generating material lists from ceiling layouts.
• Test and validate potential solutions for accuracy and usability.
• Document your findings and identify potential implementation opportunities.
• Present your project outcomes and recommendations to key stakeholder

Who You Are

• Currently studying towards a degree in Engineering, Product Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, Building or Civil Engineering, or a related field.Has strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable interpreting technical drawings, layouts and architectural specifications.Has good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and working with data.
• Has strong attention to detail and enjoys working with technical information.
• Can communicate effectively and work with different stakeholders.Is comfortable working independently and managing project milestones.Is curious about how technology, automation and AI can improve existing processes.Has experience with CAD software or similar design tools. This is an advantage, but not a requirement.
• Fluency in English ( Dutch is a big plus)

What You Bring

• Strong analytical and quantitative thinking
• Willingness to learn
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work with diverse teams
• Ability to prioritize, manage tasks, and meet deadlines
• Structured and detail-oriented approach

Wha t We Offer

• A hands-on R&D internship built around a real innovation challenge.
• The opportunity to work at the intersection ofengineering, design, automation and digitalisation.
• Ownership of a project with the potential to create long-term business value.Collaboration with R&D, Product Management, Engineering and Design teams.
• The opportunity to research new technologies and turn your findings into a practical prototype.
• An international environment where you can develop both your technical and project-management skills.
• Hybrid working arrangement: 4 days work for the office, 1 day work from home