Materials Science Intern: Shape, Test & Improve Materials

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

Job summary

Cummins Inc. is offering an internship focused on materials science, analytical chemistry, and failure analysis to optimize IC engine and power systems components.

You will work across teams to apply microstructural and spectroscopic methods, NDE, and wear testing to identify root causes and propose corrective actions. The program emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and applying fundamental physics and chemistry to real-world engineering challenges.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Materials Science or Analytical Chemistry principles and practices.
• Experience with material and process selection, failure analysis, and microstructural characterization.
• Ability to communicate analysis results and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Must be a full-time enrolled student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the U.S.
• Preference for GPA 2.5 or higher and willingness to commit 10–12 weeks at 40 hours/week.

Responsibilities

• Utilize Materials Science/Analytical Chemistry principles to identify and advance solutions for design, manufacturing, and quality goals.
• Collaborate across projects requiring materials guidance on selection, failure analysis, and characterization.
• Apply structure–property–processing relationships to optimize component performance within systems.
• Use surface engineering concepts to influence wear, strength, and corrosion resistance.
• Select manufacturing routes and material/process options to meet requirements.
• Apply spectroscopy, microscopy, and NDE methods to analyze in-process or field-returned parts or fluids.

Skills

Materials Science

Analytical Chemistry

Mechanical Testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

SEM

Optical Microscopy

Spectroscopy

X-ray diffraction

Radiography

Magma process simulation

Wear testing

NDE (Magnetic Particle, Eddy Current)

Job description

Cummins Inc. is offering an internship focused on materials science, analytical chemistry, and failure analysis to optimize IC engine and power systems components.

You will work across teams to apply microstructural and spectroscopic methods, NDE, and wear testing to identify root causes and propose corrective actions. The program emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and applying fundamental physics and chemistry to real-world engineering challenges.