Materials Science Engineering Fellow - Masters or PhD required

Materials Science Engineering Fellow - Masters or PhD required

Job ID:  28557
Company:  Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Location: 

Knoxville, TN, US, 37920

Department:  Research and Development
Career Level:  Interns
Working Model:  Full-time
Contract Type:  Fixed-term
Remote Working:  Mobile Work not possible
Posting Date:  Jul 15, 2026

Materials Science Engineering Fellow - Masters or PhD required

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.

Brief Role Description

 At the Innovation & Engineering Center California (IECC), we represent the Volkswagen Group in applied research and development. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we create bold new ideas for the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche brands. We’re a team of engineers, designers, scientists, and psychologists looking to develop innovations for future generations of cars, and to transfer technologies from many industries and research institutions into the automotive domain. Our mission is to drive change which means we are not only impacting one of the world’s largest car makers, but also the lives of millions of people. Are you ready to join us? 

 

The Innovation Hub Knoxville, an organization within Innovation Center California, is responsible for Material Research and Innovation in the North American Region. The intern will be part of the project team working on topics that include but not limited to material characterization, Life Cycle Assessment, and cost calculations of production processes.

Role Responsibilities

  • Support material science related laboratory work.
  • Material characterization equipment training.
  • Support material characterization.
  • Support with Life Cycle Assessment and cost calculations of production processes.

Qualification requirements

Qualifications

  • Must be enrolled at a University/College or Graduation date must be within the last six months.
  • Preference given to Masters or PhD stdents.Automotive, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering or comparable field of study.
  • Material characterization knowledge is a benefit.Knowledge in creation Life Cycle Assessment is beneficial.

Compensation Data

In Knoxville, Tennessee, the hourly rates for this role are based on level of education:

  • Undergraduate (Junior or Senior): $28/hour
  • Graduate (Master’s): $30/hour
  • PhD: $33/hour

Volkswagen's roots in Silicon Valley sprout the tech-driven future of transportation

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

 

This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.

 

This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.

Brief Role Description

 At the Innovation & Engineering Center California (IECC), we represent the Volkswagen Group in applied research and development. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we create bold new ideas for the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche brands. We’re a team of engineers, designers, scientists, and psychologists looking to develop innovations for future generations of cars, and to transfer technologies from many industries and research institutions into the automotive domain. Our mission is to drive change which means we are not only impacting one of the world’s largest car makers, but also the lives of millions of people. Are you ready to join us? 

 

The Innovation Hub Knoxville, an organization within Innovation Center California, is responsible for Material Research and Innovation in the North American Region. The intern will be part of the project team working on topics that include but not limited to material characterization, Life Cycle Assessment, and cost calculations of production processes.

Role Responsibilities

  • Support material science related laboratory work.
  • Material characterization equipment training.
  • Support material characterization.
  • Support with Life Cycle Assessment and cost calculations of production processes.

Qualification requirements

Qualifications

  • Must be enrolled at a University/College or Graduation date must be within the last six months.
  • Preference given to Masters or PhD stdents.Automotive, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering or comparable field of study.
  • Material characterization knowledge is a benefit.Knowledge in creation Life Cycle Assessment is beneficial.

Compensation Data

In Knoxville, Tennessee, the hourly rates for this role are based on level of education:

  • Undergraduate (Junior or Senior): $28/hour
  • Graduate (Master’s): $30/hour
  • PhD: $33/hour

Volkswagen's roots in Silicon Valley sprout the tech-driven future of transportation

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

 

This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.

 

This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Job ID:  28557
Company:  Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Location: 

Knoxville, TN, US, 37920

Department:  Research and Development
Career Level:  Interns
Working Model:  Full-time
Contract Type:  Fixed-term
Remote Working:  Mobile Work not possible
Posting Date:  Jul 15, 2026

Join the New Volkswagen team.

If you aspire to be part of the mobility of the future, Volkswagen is for you. We are the ideal match for people with a passion for innovation, oriented to achieve sustainable results, and who can work in a team generating positive and collaborative work environments. Here is your next challenge.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state of-the art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Support

For more information contact: 

Chattanooga Operations Production: vwjobs@vw.com

All Others: vwgroupcareers@vw.com

 

 


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville