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Intern – Tribology Test Engineer – Research & Development (m/f/x)

Precision at work. innovation in motion.

This role in our international materials research team is well suited for students with a background in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related field, who enjoy hands on laboratory work combined with data analysis. Interest in tribology is particularly valued.

Start date is September / October 2026; duration is for 6 months.

What You'll do

As an intern in our tribology team, you will work closely with material experts, research engineers, and project managers to investigate the performance and wear behavior of lubricants and seals used in power tools. Depending on the project, you will be involved in the following activities:

  • Prepare, execute, and document laboratory tests using defined test rigs and procedures to evaluate friction and wear.
  • Perform post test characterization of samples: optical microscopy, digital image analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), where applicable, and qualitative and quantitative wear analysis (e.g. wear modes and microstructural changes).
  • Analyze experimental data using tools such as Excel, MATLAB, or similar data analysis software to extract relevant performance and wear metrics.
  • Summarize and visualize results in technical presentations, short reports, or internal documentation for use in R&D project meetings.
  • Conduct basic literature reviews on wear mechanisms and tribological behavior to support data interpretation and experimental findings.

What You’ll Bring

  • Currently enrolled as a student in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering subjects.
  • A strategic approach and good problem-solving skills.
  • Interest in hands-on and scientific work to conduct and evaluate tests.
  • Analytical and synthesizing skills to derive recommendations.
  • A proactive approach and self-reliant personality.
  • Knowledge about tribology will be especially valued.
  • Good knowledge of the English language.

What’s In It for You

We really value our people, and we've worked hard to develop a reward package that reflects this, creating your future to be just how you would want it. Some of our benefits include:

  • Connection with a diverse community of over 2,100 colleagues from 70 nationalities in a region where Liechtenstein, Austria, and Switzerland intersect.
  • Employee groups actively supporting causes like female empowerment and the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Leisure activities like mountain biking and tennis.
  • Opportunities for community engagement both locally and internationally.
  • Shared e-bikes, an on-site gym, dining options, learning opportunities, financial guidance, free parking, fuel discounts,  meditation/ relaxation rooms, Hilti tool rental service, and massage possibilities.

Why Hilti

Hilti is a global leader in construction innovation, with more than 34,000 team members across 120 countries. Guided by our purpose, Making Construction Better, we’re driven to keep learning, growing, and finding new ways to make a lasting impact. Here, you’ll be empowered to use your strengths, work with a global and inclusive team, and take on meaningful challenges. At Hilti, you’ll have the chance to make your ideas, achievements, and growth real through purpose, passion, and teamwork.

Commitment to Inclusion

At Hilti, inclusion is a key focus in how we work, lead, and grow together. We are committed to embracing diversity of thought and creating an environment that is inclusive of everyone, everywhere. We continuously strive to ensure every voice is valued and every team member feels empowered to contribute. By building on this foundation, we strengthen our teams, our innovation, and our impact, making construction better together.

Join us in making construction better.
Apply now.

For further questions, please feel free to contact Paige Cushman, Intern Martin Hilti Foundation, [email protected]
*For non-EU / EFTA citizens: Please state your eligibility status to work in Switzerland/ Liechtenstein and note that if you do not own a valid Swiss/ Liechtenstein work permit, Hilti cannot guarantee your final employment due to authority regulations.

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