Materials Science and Engineering - Co-Op Positions

Cummins Inc

Columbus (IN)

On-site

USD 44,000 - 81,000

Full time

3 hours ago

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Job summary

Cummins Inc. is seeking a Co-op Engineering student to contribute to materials science and analytical chemistry projects within our advanced manufacturing environment in the United States.

You will apply principles of materials selection, failure analysis and surface engineering to help improve components and processes. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and documentation of results are essential to success in this role.

Qualifications

Knowledge of Materials Science, Materials Engineering or Analytical Chemistry required.
Experience with failure analysis and materials/process selection.
Familiarity with non-destructive evaluation and surface engineering.
Ability to communicate analysis results to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Identify and advance solutions to meet design, manufacturing, and quality goals.
Work cross-functionally on materials guidance for selection and failure analysis.
Apply structure-property-processing relationships to optimize performance.
Use spectroscopy, microscopy, mechanical tests, and NDE for evaluation.
Collaborate with stakeholders and document resolutions.

Skills

Materials Science

Materials Engineering

Analytical Chemistry

Tribology

Non-Destructive Evaluation

Surface Engineering

Failure Analysis

Communication

Team Collaboration

Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

PhD

Tools

SEM

Optical Microscopy

X-ray Diffraction

Radiography

Spectroscopy

Wear Testing

NDE Methods

Process Simulation Tools

Job description

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:

Utilize knowledge of Materials Science, Materials Engineering or Analytical Chemistry principles and practices to identify and advance solutions to achieve design, manufacturing, and quality goals.
Work cross-functionally on projects that require materials and fluids guidance on topics such as material and process selection, failure analysis, chemical and microstructural characterization, chemical metrology, and process pertaining to manufacturing and quality issues.
Utilize the core relationships between structure, composition, and processing to optimize performance of the component or fluid within its system.
Apply the principles of surface engineering to manipulate wear, strength, and corrosion resistance of components.
Evaluate component requirements regarding form and function to identify base material and processing options.
Select manufacturing route, material and process based on best-fit option(s) aligned to requirements.
Use spectroscopy methods, microstructural evaluation, mechanical property measurements, non-destructive inspection methods, and specialized tools regarding wear and corrosion on in-process, tested, or field-returned parts or fluids.
May include activities in analytically investigating product or manufacturing problems and recommending appropriate actions for problem resolution and/or optimization
Supervised execution using your understanding of fundamental Physics and Chemistry to understand causal mechanisms, recommend appropriate action and documenting problem resolutions.
Actively collaborating with key stakeholders and colleagues, communicating analysis results to impact and support the successful advancement of projects.

Using Tools Related Materials Science And Chemistry Such As

SEM
Optical Microscopy
Chemical Spectroscopy methods
X-ray diffraction and radiography techniques
Magma or other process simulation tools
Wear testing
Magnetic Particle, Eddy Current and other NDE methods
Knowledge of Industry Standards

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

Component Failure Analysis
Component Material and Process Selection
Applies Principles of Tribology
Non-Destructive Evaluation
Material Characterization
Joining and Bonding Science
Applies Principles of Surface Engineering
Decision Quality
Drives Results
Collaborates
Communicates Effectively Self-Development

Degree Programs Considered:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

Major Programs Typically Considered:

All Engineering Majors

2026 Monthly Salary Range By Degree Level

Bachelor's - $3,900 - $5,000
Master's - $6,000
PhD - $7,300

Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate on the applicable range. The final salary offer will be determined after considering relevant factors, including a candidate’s qualifications and experience, where appropriate.

Co-Op Program Criteria

Must be a full-time enrolled student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited U.S. college/University
Minimum 2.5 or above GPA preferred
Must be able to complete a minimum of 4-months to 6-months or a maximum of a 12-months commitment - Must be able to complete 40 hours per week
Willingness to learn from others on the job
Must be currently residing within the continental U.S.

At Cummins, we are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law. Cummins validates right to work using E-Verify. Cummins will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

U.S. Early Careers Eligibility Requirements

Co-op (Co-operative):

Students must be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university, actively pursuing a degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, MBA, or JD), with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Candidates must also currently reside within the continental United States. Students are expected to work 40 hours per week for assignments 4, 6, or up to 12 months, often aligning with school semesters. Some schools may require students to be officially enrolled in a co-op program—check with your career services or co-op office.

Academic Enrollment:

If your co-op assignment is approved by your academic institution as part of a formal co-op program, the school acknowledges your participation and grants permission for you to take time off from classes while remaining in good academic standing. Cummins does not require you to be enrolled in a minimum number of credit hours during your co-op. Whether you take a semester off from classes, enroll part-time, or take evening courses is up to you and your school. You are responsible for meeting your university’s academic policies and/or co-op program requirements. Please consult your academic advisor or co-op office to ensure you remain in compliance.

International Student Eligibility (U.S. based roles):

F-1 visa students must have approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Occupational Practical Training (OPT) before their Early Career assignment begin. CPT/OPT must relate to their degree and be authorized by their university. Students are responsible for securing this approval through their school’s international office.

Commitment:

Students must be able to manage their academic responsibilities without compromising their job performance.

Job

Engineering

Organization

Cummins Inc.

Role Category

On-site with Flexibility

Job Type

Student - Cooperative/12 Month Placement

ReqID

2437744