Materials Science - Summer Internship Positions

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

This applied materials position utilizes basic knowledge of materials science and engineering principles and practices to analyze our products through mechanical, physical, and compositional testing to develop optimized solutions for IC engine and electric power systems, fuel, and air systems, aftertreatment systems, and battery and fuel cell electric systems.

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 tical to success in the role.

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 v

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.

Internship 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 10-weeks and up to a maximum of 12-weeks 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:

Summer Intern:

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 currently reside within the continental United States. Students are expected to work 40 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks.

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 - Internship

ReqID 2437742

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.