Mechanical Engineering Intern – R&D (Rubber Belting)

Continental • Halstead, KS

1d

About The Position

As an Intern on the R&D team, you will support the design, development, and testing of rubber belting product s 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.

Requirements

• 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 (SolidWorks, 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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.

Benefits

• 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 product lifecycle processes from design and material selection to testing and production.
• Cross-functional experience with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.
• Networking opportunities and potential consideration for future internships or full-time engineering roles.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern