2027 Summer Internship (US) - Supplies and Sensors R&D

Zebra Technologies • Morris Plains, NJ

5d • $33 - $41 • Hybrid

About The Position

This internship prepares students for entry into the business world by providing an understanding of Zebra Technologies’ functions, hands-on experience, training, social and professional development activities, and a professional mentor relationship. The Supplies & Sensors R&D Team develops smart media, specialty environmental indicators, and advanced asset-tracking solutions, connecting physical tracking with real-time digital intelligence for supply chains.

The intern will help build and develop the innovation portfolio and promote R&D innovation across the company. The work includes advancing R&D pipeline projects through product development processes, monitoring sensor technology and competitive developments, and supporting technical and scientific business needs, including complaint resolution and requests for technical information. The project focus is a BLE-enabled printable wristband intended to provide sensor data and real-time location services for actionable insights and data orchestration.

This role is based in Zebra’s Morris Plains, New Jersey office and requires hybrid work, with three days per week in the office.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate (MS/MBA) degree program in Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrochemistry.
• Undergraduate students must have an anticipated graduation date between 2027 and 2028; graduate students must have an anticipated graduation date between 2027 and 2029.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of radio frequency communication systems and protocols such as NFC, UHF RFID, BLE, and Wi-Fi, and associated small-form-factor passive and active energy systems.
• Materials characterization experience using analytical instrumentation such as SEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, DSC, TGA, UV-Vis, FTIR, particle-size analyzers, optical microscopy, and surface and interface analysis.
• Hands-on experience with 3D printing, small electronics or PCB assembly, or roll-to-roll converting.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Adaptability, learning agility, and willingness to learn quickly, embrace new tools or methods, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and basic familiarity with technology solutions.
• Commitment to ethical behavior and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Develop smart media that senses environmental conditions such as temperature, light, water or humidity, and bacteria using digital and/or chemical methods.
• Support product development and innovation involving sensors, with project scopes ranging from incremental improvements to potentially disruptive projects.
• Consider manufacturability, customer experience, and data orchestration when designing smart devices and new products.
• Optimize radio frequency systems to improve smart-device communication within technology ecosystems.
• Identify ways to streamline outdated R&D workflows and improve the R&D innovation experience.
• Monitor next-generation sensor technology advancements, including competitive developments.
• Support the business on technical and scientific matters, including complaint resolution and requests for technical information.
• Develop planning, organizational, leadership, technology, teamwork, and interpersonal skills through the internship.

Benefits

• Summer Fridays, as applicable with the team.
• More than 30 social and professional events over 12 weeks.
• Global immersion with teams and interns.
• Intern allowance, when applicable.
• Zebra Total Rewards may include healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, continued learning and development, community service days, insurance, compensation, parental leave, an employee assistance program, paid time off, cash incentive programs, and, for some roles, long-term incentive equity awards.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern