Materials Science and Engineering – Co-Op Positions

Posted on 9/5/2025

Cummins

Cummins

Compensation Overview

$22.50 - $42.12/hr

Columbus, IN, USA

In Person

Candidates must be currently residing within the continental U.S.

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  

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. 

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 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.   

Ready to think beyond your desk? Apply for this opportunity to start your career with Cummins today. careers.cummins.com 

Not ready to apply but want to learn more? Join our Talent Community to get the inside track on great jobs and  confidentially connect to our recruiting team: http://connect.find.ly/cummins  

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