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Intern or thesis student - Development Engineer - Wood Sawing (m/f/x)

What's the role?

As part of our international materials research team your task is to actively participate in the development of new hard material concepts for wood sawing. Furthermore, you will contribute to the development of new testing and characterization methodologies. Existing material solutions for wood sawing need to be evaluated, followed by the generation of a comprehensive understanding of wear and damage mechanisms. This is an interdisciplinary technology task with a focus on hands-on mentality for an analytical and critical thinking mindset.

Start date is flexible to the student's availability; duration is for 6-12 months.

Who is Hilti?

For the sixth time in the past 11 years, Hilti has been named one of the best employers by Great Place to Work.

What began as a family business in 1941, founded by brothers Eugene and Martin Hilti, has become a leading industry player with over 120 locations worldwide and a workforce of more than 32,000 colleagues. Our incredible journey, from humble beginnings to a global powerhouse, is a shining example of the rewards of a hard-working and dedicated team.

At Hilti, we provide leading-edge tools, technologies, software, and services for the global construction industry and beyond. Our purpose is making construction better based on a passionate and inclusive global team and a caring and performance-oriented culture.

We invest a substantial amount of our annual profit to the Hilti Foundation, which focuses on initiatives that empower people to live independently and autonomously, contribute to building stronger societies, and create networks of competent partners to achieve sustainable and scalable impact.

What does the role involve?

As intern in our materials research team, you will work closely with our material experts and project managers in generating know-how and developing new material concepts for our wood saw blades.

In your key responsibilities, you will significantly contribute to the development of new material concepts for our wood saw blades. The main tasks include conducting sound literature research on wood machining as well as establishing testing and characterization protocols. You will use your analytical and synthesis skills to propose a damage criteria and wear evolution theory. The tasks will necessitate the collaboration with several internal teams including development, research, testing and engineering. Your work will require a solid knowledge of materials science as well as interest in hands-on testing of construction tools. Previous experience related to wood will be particularly valued.

CAREER - 80% of our entry positions at Headquarters are filled with interns. It’s testament to how much we value, develop, and look after our people.

What do we offer?

Join over 2200 colleagues from over 70 nationalities at one of our Headquarter locations in Schaan, Nendeln (Liechtenstein), or Buchs SG (Switzerland) is more than a career move. It’s your opportunity to enjoy the energizing, alpine lifestyle - where Liechtenstein, Austria, and Switzerland seamlessly meet. It’s an unforgettable life change.

We’ll give you the tools you need to excel in your internship, including one-to-one coaching. You’ll enjoy a rare combination of autonomy and camaraderie, as you’ll manage your own project while being part of a friendly team.

You’ll not just be another pair of hands but a fully integrated team member with lots of self-responsibility. From there, we’ll trust you to do whatever it takes to deliver outstanding results. Go the extra mile and we’ll reward you with strategic development discussions and career opportunities.

We’ll support you even before you start with us through relocation and integration support. With the international interns community at Hilti you’ll never be bored. Further, the snow-draped mountains, crystal-clear lakes and marvelous landscapes in the Happy Valley invite for lots of outdoor activities.

What you need is:

  • To be 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.
  • Previous experience working with wood will be especially valued.
  • Good knowledge of English language. 

Why should you apply?

We have an excellent mix of people, which we believe makes for a more vibrant, more innovative, more productive team. So, if you have no knowledge of construction, that’s fine with us. We’re more interested in your ability, commitment, and drive to succeed.


We take our time to get to know you. As part of your recruitment process, you’ll get to talk to your internship coach as well as your HR Manager who both can answer some of your burning questions.

Hilti is an equal opportunity employer.

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