Research and Development Internship - Year-Round; Halstead, KS

Research and Development Internship - Year-Round (Halstead, KS)

Company Description Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist that develops and produces sustainable, safe and convenient solutions for automotive manufacturers as well as industrial and end customers worldwide. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and currently employs around 95,000 people in 54 countries and markets. Conti Tech is one of the world's leading industry specialists.

The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 39,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.4 billion euros (2024), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.

Are you ready to shape the future with us?

Internship is year-round and paid. Continental will not offer relocation for internship opportunities.

Your Tasks As an Intern on the R&D team, you will support the design, development, and testing of rubber belting products used in industrial applications. This role provides hands-on experience working with engineered materials, product performance testing, and manufacturing processes such as calendering, extrusion, and curing.

You will collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams to evaluate belt performance, improve product designs, and contribute to innovation efforts focused on durability, efficiency, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities Assist with design and development of rubber belting products and components. Support product testing and validation, including tensile strength, adhesion, wear, and durability testing. Collect, analyze, and report on test data and product performance results. Help create and update CAD models, technical drawings, and product specifications. Participate in prototype development and trial runs within manufacturing. Assist with root cause analysis of product failures or quality issues.

Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product design and manufacturability. Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and operations teams to ensure product designs meet production capabilities. Document findings and present technical reports and project updates to engineering leadership.

What You Bring to the Role Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Students must be at a minimum sophomore standing with a GPA 2.8 or higher. Basic understanding of mechanical design, material properties, and manufacturing processes. Interest in rubber materials, polymers, or industrial product applications. Experience with CAD software (Solid Works, AutoCAD, or similar). Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Ability to collect, interpret, and present technical data. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Legal work authorization to work in the US is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job opening.

Additional Ways to Stand Out Coursework or experience related to polymers, rubber materials, or materials science. Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as extrusion, calendering, or curing/press operations. Experience with lab testing equipment (tensile testing, hardness, abrasion, etc.). Exposure to product development, testing, or quality engineering projects. Hands-on experience in manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environments.

What We Offer Paid internship with competitive hourly compensation. Hands-on experience working with industrial rubber products and manufacturing processes. Opportunity to contribute to real-world R&D and product performance improvement projects. Mentorship from experienced engineers specializing in rubber belting and materials. Exposure to…