Materials Science and Engineering - Co-Op Positions

Cummins Europe; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 81,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site with flexibility

Job summary

Cummins Inc. is seeking a Co-op student in the United States to contribute to materials science and engineering projects across design, manufacturing, and quality domains.

You will apply knowledge in materials science, analytical chemistry, and surface engineering to guide material and process choices, perform characterization, and support failure analyses, while collaborating with cross-functional teams and documenting findings.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant field (Engineering/Materials/ Chemistry).
• GPA 2.5+ preferred; full-time enrollment in a U.S. college or university.
• Must reside in the continental U.S. and be available for 40 hours per week for 4–12 months.

Responsibilities

• Apply materials science/engineering/analytical chemistry principles to design, manufacturing and quality goals.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on projects requiring materials guidance such as selection, failure analysis, and characterization.
• Optimize performance through structure–property–processing relationships and surface engineering techniques.
• Utilize spectroscopy, microscopy, mechanical testing, and NDE tools on in-process or field-returned parts.
• Document problem resolutions and communicate results to stakeholders for project advancement.

Skills

Failure Analysis

Material Characterization

Non-Destructive Evaluation

Tribology

Surface Engineering

Joining & Bonding

Decision Quality

Results Driven

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

Tools

SEM

Optical Microscopy

Spectroscopy

X-ray Diffraction

Radiography

Wear Testing

NDE Methods

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.

Cummins and E-verify

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 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

Relocation Package No

100% On-Site No

Cummins and E-Verify

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 the right to work using E-Verify and 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. Visit http://EEOC.gov to know your rights on workplace discrimination.