Engineering & Technology Innovation, Graduate Researcher Program – Advanced Materials & Structures Intern

The Boeing Company; Berkeley (MO); On-site; USD 76,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boeing Company invites PhD students to join the Graduate Researcher Program (GRP) in Engineering & Technology Innovation for Summer 2027 in St. Louis, MO. The program blends real-world industry work with development programming, mentorship, and opportunities to build a strong professional network.

The selected intern will work on composite materials, processing techniques, and manufacturing methodologies, contributing to aerospace structures research while gaining hands-on experience.

Qualifications

• Completed the first year of PhD studies by July 2027.
• Ability to work full-time for 10–12 weeks during Summer 2027.
• Pursuing a PhD in relevant engineering/science fields with focus on composites.
• Knowledge of composite materials and materials testing standards.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python or similar data analysis tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support development and documentation of engineering requirements, specifications, and process controls for composite materials and structures.
• Assist in experimental research involving characterization, processing, and testing of advanced composite materials.
• Contribute to evaluation and integration of manufacturing technologies including automation and additive manufacturing for composites.
• Participate in failure analysis activities and help define corrective actions for composites.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, design, supply chain, and suppliers to optimize materials and processes.
• Support supplier qualification efforts, including testing and audits related to composite material properties.
• Document experimental data, prepare technical reports, and assist with presentations on research outcomes.

Skills

PhD student

Composite materials

MATLAB

Python

Data analysis

Technical communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science/Engineering/Physics

Tools

CAD software

Finite element analysis

Materials simulation tools

Job description

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the seabed to outer space, you’ll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Join our exclusive Graduate Researcher Program (GRP) in Engineering & Technology Innovation (E&TI) during the Summer of 2027 and you can build something better for yourself, for our customers and for the world. E&TI is Boeing's global research and development team developing and implementing innovative technologies that make the impossible possible and enabling the future of aerospace. We are engineers and technicians, skilled scientists and bold innovators. Join us and put your passion, determination, and skill to work building the future! #TheFutureIsBuiltHere #ChangeTheWorld

What is Graduate Researcher Program?

The GRP (Graduate Researcher Program) is a unique 10-12 week internship program designed specifically for students pursuing their PhD. GRP is a hybrid experience of real-world industry work experience combined with development programming that exposes students to Boeing, its products, services and its people. GRP focuses on deeply connecting students to their team and Boeing through work experience across multiple summers with the goal of ultimately offering a full‑time position at the conclusion of academic studies if a mutual fit is achieved.

How GRP Works

GRP host teams post intern requisitions aligned with Boeing’s strategic needs, aiming to match needs with top PhD talent. Once candidates apply and are selected, they receive an offer to spend the following summer working with their host team. The program is designed to give interns meaningful, hands‑on experience at Boeing, allowing them to apply their academic expertise while contributing to real-world industry challenges and opportunities.

In addition to industry work exposure, students attend GRP programming to further broaden their experience and knowledge of Boeing. GRP programming components include: mentorship in your field of study, weekly Featured Speaker Talks, a week‑long in‑person GRP Summit, an Innovation Challenge, and other opportunities to interact and build a professional network with other GRP students, Boeing team members, and Boeing leadership.

Please note: The work you do at Boeing can be related to your area of study, but can not contribute or be used in your PhD thesis.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking students who will have completed their first year of study in their PhD program by July 2027 and are passionate about the aerospace industry and Boeing. GRP students excel at quickly adapting to their roles, analyzing complex problems, and developing innovative solutions. They thrive in collaborative team environments and possess excellent communication skills. Above all, they are driven to contribute to the success of their team, fellow GRP students, and Boeing.

2027 GRP Position

This position is with the Composite Materials & Structures team located in St. Louis, MO. This team is at the forefront of developing advanced materials and manufacturing technologies that drive aerospace advancements in composite materials and structures. The group develops, integrates, and transitions advanced structural architectures and design concepts. They also advance the state‑of‑the‑art in methods and tools for structural analysis. They work across Boeing's product life‑cycle and develop technologies for commercial aircraft, military aircraft, rotorcraft, space vehicles, UAVs, and advanced vehicle prototypes.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD‑level intern to join the Composite Material & Structures team. The GRP intern will support research and development efforts focused on composite materials, processing techniques, and manufacturing methodologies critical to next‑generation aerospace structures.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting development and documentation of engineering requirements, specifications, and process controls for composite materials and structures
• Assisting in experimental research involving characterization, processing, and testing of advanced composite materials
• Contributing to the evaluation and integration of emerging manufacturing technologies including automation and additive manufacturing for composite applications
• Participating in failure analysis activities and helping to define corrective and preventative actions for composite materials and processes
• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams including manufacturing, design, supply chain, and suppliers to optimize composite materials and processes
• Supporting supplier qualification efforts, including testing and audits related to composite material properties and processing
• Documenting experimental data, preparing technical reports, and assisting with presentations on composite materials research outcomes

An internship with the Composite Materials & Structures group offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge composite material research at Boeing’s ET&I organization. The successful candidate will gain hands‑on experience with innovative aerospace manufacturing and materials testing.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

This position requires the ability to obtain U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship.

Job Related Information / Basic Qualifications:

• Completed the first year of PhD studies by July 2027
• Ability to work full‑time for 10-12 weeks during Summer 2027

• Pursing a PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field with focus on composite materials & structures

• Knowledge and/or hands‑on experience with composite materials, which can include course work, experimental, or analytical training

• Familiarity with materials failure mechanisms and testing standards for composites

• Ability to analyze data using software tools like MATLAB, Python, or similar

• Strong communication skills with ability to document and present technical findings

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous research or internship experience related to aerospace composite structures design, fabrication, analysis, and testing
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement, additive manufacturing, or robotic processing
• Interest in these areas: adhesive bonding, high temperature composites, performing material processing simulations, performing material qualification testing
• Experience using CAD software, finite element analysis, or materials simulation tools is a plus

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

This role is primarily first shift; however, there may be additional shift requirements to support program objectives.

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range: $84,000

Applications for this position will be accepted until Oct. 09, 2026

Relocation

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.