Materials Science and Engineering - Co-Op Positions

Cummins Inc; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 44,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Cummins Inc. invites students to join a 12-month cooperative placement in materials science and engineering. You will apply materials principles to guide design, manufacturing, and quality improvements, and collaborate across teams on failures and process optimization.

Ideal candidates are enrolled full-time in a U.S. college/university with a 2.5+ GPA, available for 4–12 months, and willing to work 40 hours per week on-site in the continental U.S.

Qualifications

• Must be a full-time enrolled student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at a U.S. college/university
• GPA 2.5 or higher preferred
• Commitment of 4–12 months, 40 hours/week
• Must reside within the continental U.S.

Responsibilities

• Apply materials science/chemistry principles to drive design, manufacturing and quality goals
• Collaborate cross-functionally on materials, processes and failure analysis
• Select materials and processes to meet requirements
• Evaluate surface engineering to improve wear, strength and corrosion resistance
• Communicate analysis results to stakeholders for project advancement

Skills

Component Failure Analysis

Material Characterization

Tribology

Non-Destructive Evaluation

Decision Quality

Drives Results

Collaborates

Communicates Effectively

Self-Development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

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 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

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.