2027 Summer Internship (US) - Supplies and Sensors R&D

Zebra Technologies Corporation; Morris Plains (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Summer Fridays

Social events & professional events

Global immersion

Intern allowance

Job summary

Zebra Technologies Corporation offers a US summer internship focused on Supplies & Sensors R&D, developing BLE-enabled wearable devices and smart media for real-time asset tracking.

You will join a multidisciplinary team, gain hands-on experience in sensing, RF systems, and product development, and benefit from mentoring, social events, and global immersion opportunities.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate/graduate (MS/MBA) degree program in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Electrochemistry.
• Anticipated graduation date between 2027-2028 for undergrads or 2027-2029 for grads.
• Must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Develop Smart Media with sensing capabilities for environmental conditions.
• Support product development and innovation around sensors.
• Plan projects from simple to high-impact opportunities with manufacturability considerations.
• Assist in data orchestration and RF device integration within ecosystems.
• Help improve R&D workflows and learn leadership skills.
• Build interpersonal and teamwork skills through collaboration.

Skills

RF knowledge

3D printing

Communication

Learning agility

Education

Materials Science/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering (undergrad/grad)

MS/MBA preferred

Tools

SEM

XRD

XPS

Raman

Job description

Overview:

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customers' and partners' needs and solve their challenges. Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve. You'll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about—locally and globally. Come make an impact every day at Zebra.

What We're Looking For:

The purpose of this internship is to prepare students for entry into the business world by providing a thorough understanding of the various functions of the Zebra Technologies organization. The program is designed to provide students with experiences that provide insights into a career with Zebra. Students will be positioned for success with training and hands‑on experiences, invited to social and development activities, and provided a professional mentor relationship. The Supplies & Sensors R&D Team designs and develops next generation smart media, specialty environmental indicators, and advanced asset tracking solutions. The team is a multidisciplined research unit focused on delivering a smart and frictionless product portfolio for our customers. Ultimately, this research bridges the gap between physical tracking and real‑time digital intelligence driving operational excellence in global supply chains across many industries.

US Summer Internship Benefits:

• Summer Fridays, As Applicable With Your Team
• 30+ Social and Professional Events in 12 Weeks
• Global Immersion With Your Teams and Interns
• Intern Allowance (when applicable)

The purpose of this internship is building and developing the innovation portfolio as well as promotion of R&D innovation company‑wide. Driving forward R&D pipeline projects following the Product Development Processes. Monitoring next generation sensor technology advancement including competitive developments. Supporting the business in technical and scientific aspects including complaints resolution and requests for technical information. The prospective intern will be focusing on is the development of a BLE enabled printable wristband device. Such a device should be able to provide sensor data and real‑time location services to enable actionable insights and data orchestration for ambient intelligence.

The responsibilities as it relates to this project and the overall role within the team are outlined below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Development of Smart Media with ability to sense various environmental conditions from temperature, light, water/humidity, and bacteria via digital and/or chemical methods
• Product development and Innovation around sensors including a variety of topics.
• Project scope ranging from low hanging fruits to disruptive ones with high potential impact
• Consider manufacturability, customer experience, and data orchestration of Smart Devices in the design of any new product and innovation
• Optimize Radio Frequency systems to improve Smart Device communication within technology ecosystems
• Streamline outdated R&D workflows and consider what changes could be made to improve the R&D innovation experience
• Develop planning, organizational and leadership skills
• Increase technology knowledge and skills
• Develop team‑based work proficiencies
• Develop interpersonal skills to connect with day‑to‑day business contacts through follow up activities

Required Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate/graduate (MS/MBA) degree program in Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Electrochemistry
• Must have an anticipated graduation date between 2027-2028 for undergraduate students or 2027-2029 for graduate students
• Must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of Radio Frequency communication systems and protocols such as NFC, UHF RFID, BLE, WIFI and associated small form factor energy systems (both passive and active)
• Materials Characterization experience using analytical instrumentation (SEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, DSC, TGA, UV-Vis, FTIR, particle size analyzers, optical microscopy, surface and interface analysis)
• Hands on experience in 3D printing, small electronics/PCB assembly, Roll-to-Roll converting
• Communication Skills – Clear and effective verbal and written communication
• Adaptability and Learning Agility – Willingness to learn quickly, embrace new tools or methods, and thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment
• Technical Skills – Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and basic familiarity with technology solutions
• Integrity – Commitment to ethical behavior and confidentiality

Salary:

USD $33.00 - $40.50/hour

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at [e-mail]. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf Conozca sus Derechos: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp_10_20.pdf We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at [e-mail].

Zebra Total Rewards:

Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive – including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work. Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job‑related skills, knowledge, and experience. Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long‑term incentive equity awards.

Zebra Better Every Day