INTERNSHIP - Materials Engineer: Polyurethane Recyclability (M/F)

Hungry for challenges? Join a group with innovation at its heart and contribute to the automotive revolution!

OPmobility is a world-leading provider of innovative solutions for a unique, safer and more sustainable mobility experience. Innovation-driven since its creation, the Group develops and produces intelligent exterior systems, customized complex modules, lighting systems, clean energy systems and electrification solutions for all mobility companies. With a €11.4 billion economic revenue in 2023, a global network of 152 plants and 40 R&D centers, OPmobility relies on its 40,300 employees to meet the challenges of transforming mobility.

By adding intelligent functions, lighting & sensors etc and by extending the scope of what is possible in terms of design, OPmobility is making cars safer, smarter and more stylish. Body panels are now packed with technologies that improve the driver experience, safety and vehicle appearance. The result? An elegant car that will, in time, be made largely from bio-sourced or recycled materials.

Our ambition? Provide automakers with cutting-edge equipment and solutions to develop tomorrow’s clean and connected car.

Job Description
Within the Innovation Department, you will contribute to the development of a recycling solution for an automotive plastic part coated with polyurethane (a highly versatile type of plastic material) and take part in optimizing its manufacturing process as part of a carbon footprint reduction initiative.

Start date: From February 2026
Duration: 6 months

Main topic: Study on the recyclability and environmental sustainability of Polyurethane In Mold Coating (IMC).

Main Responsibilities

• Recycling:

• Conduct a literature review on polyurethane recycling

• Perform a comparative analysis of different recycling technologies

• Identify recycling industry players and partners

• Coordinate testing activities with suppliers

• Request and analyze laboratory results to assess recycled material properties

• Assist in molding trials using recycled material

• Carbon footprint reduction / process improvement:

• Perform flow behavior simulations of the manufacturing process

• Define and participate in the launch of a prototype: collaborate closely with suppliers

• Develop and implement a test protocol for prototype characterization

Profile:

• You are currently pursuing a Master’s degree (Bac +5) in Materials Engineering or Plastics Engineering

• You have an advanced level of English (B2/C1); knowledge of German is a plus

• You have strong knowledge of thermoplastic and thermosetting materials

• You are skilled in polymer characterization methods such as FTIR, DSC, MFI, microscopy, and moisture content measurement

• You have experience with thermoplastic injection molding processes

• You are familiar with and can use Moldflow software

• You are proficient in Microsoft 365 (Office Suite)

• You are dynamic, rigorous, a team player, and possess strong analytical skills

Location

Sigmatech – Avenue du Bois des Vergnes, 01150 Sainte-Julie (30 km from Lyon, carpooling available)

Benefits

• Transportation allowance

• Internship compensation (depending on education level)

• Access to the company restaurant

• Our R&D center also offers a gym and concierge services

As a responsible company, Plastic Omnium pays particular attention to diversity and equality within its teams and the Group commits to treat all job applications equally.