Product Systems Design - Co-Op Positions

Cummins Inc; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Cummins Inc. is seeking a student, cooperative/12‑month placement in engineering with a focus on mechanical design and cross‑functional integration.

You will work on optimized design concepts, material processing, validation, and problem solving across engineering disciplines. The role emphasizes collaboration with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to resolve product issues, develop requirements, and deliver reliable, manufacturable designs.

Qualifications

• Cross‑functional design integration is expected.
• Mechanical design of mechanical systems and specifications are central to the role.
• System requirements engineering and platform planning are key activities.

Responsibilities

• Investigates material and processing problems and documents results.
• Supports process improvements and problem solving using 7‑step methods.
• Communicates results and collaborates with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering functions.
• Applies material specifications/standards and contributes to design validation.

Skills

Cross‑functional design

Mechanical design

Requirements engineering

Product problem solving

Platform planning

Drives results

Collaborates

Communicates effectively

Self development

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

Job description

This product focused position applies knowledge of engineering principles and design practices to create optimized design concepts and mechanical design specifications considering application, cost, weight, performance, reliability, durability, manufacturing, assembly, and serviceability. This role effectively communicates the capability of a design concept to meet cross‑functional requirements including assessment of alternative and competitive design concepts and works effectively across cross‑functional disciplines to develop corporate and customer requirements including those required to resolve product issues.

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

• Investigates material and material processing problems, understands causal mechanisms, recommends appropriate action, actively contributes to problem resolution and documents results with guidance from more experienced team members.
• Applies and supports the improvement of processes such as material and material processing validation, quality auditing, design validation and 7-step problem solving and utilizes the tools and techniques for material characterization, material testing, non‑destructive testing, mechanical and physical properties measurement, simulation and statistical data analysis which are required to enable higher quality decision making.
• May support more experienced team members to obtain input and negotiate with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering functions and delivers testing/analysis results and consultancy to these functions to enable internal and external customer success.
• May support more experienced team members that make decisions in the areas of material and material processing selection and optimization, qualification, and inspection that impact product quality, reliability, durability, and capability.
• Applies and improves material specifications/standards in alignment with requirements, capability, and quality needs.
• May include activities in problem resolution for moderately complex components, products, systems, subsystems, or services.
• Supervised execution of established work processes and systems, while still developing technology or product knowledge; engages with the improvement of systems and processes.
• No direct management of people but could involve limited coordination of work amongst engineers and technicians.
• Contributes effectively toward team goals and develops proficiency in the competency areas critical to success in the role.

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

• Cross-Functional Design Integration
• Mechanical Design of Mechanical Systems
• Mechanical Design Specifications
• Mechanical Design Modeling and Analysis
• Product Problem Solving
• System Requirements Engineering
• Product Platform Planning and Architecting
• 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 - $4,800
• Master's - $6,000
• PhD - $7,300

Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate of 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 the 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

2437750

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.