
Required skills
Job description
ABB posted this role. Below, we break down what it means for a working student in Mannheim: your weekly hours, take-home pay and visa limits. You can also open ChatGPT or Claude with a ready-made prompt to tailor your CV, check your fit, draft a cover letter or prep for the interview.
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Description provided by ABB
This position reports to:
Research Department Manager - Control Technologies & Automation Components
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Key Responsibilities
The work model for the role is:
You will be mainly accountable for:
- Piezoelectric Cantilever Design & Optimization: Design and optimize piezoelectric cantilever configurations for maximum energy harvesting efficiency. Determine optimal material selection, geometry, and electrical configuration. Develop design specifications for prototype fabrication.
- Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) Design & Development: Design and develop triboelectric nanogenerator configurations based on contact-separation or sliding modes. Select appropriate triboelectric material pairs for enhanced charge generation. Optimize electrode design and layout for maximum power output. Develop design specifications for TENG prototype fabrication.
- Theoretical Modeling & Simulation: Develop comprehensive mathematical models for both piezoelectric and triboelectric energy harvesting systems. Conduct finite element analysis (FEA) to predict piezoelectric response and energy conversion efficiency. Model electromechanical coupling effects for both technologies.
- Experimental Validation & Testing: Design and conduct experiments to validate simulation predictions for both technologies. Perform mechanical testing to measure output voltage and electrical power. Measure electrical parameters (impedance, capacitance, power output). Implement data acquisition systems to capture and analyze experimental results. Compare experimental and simulation results.
- Currently enrolled in a Master's program in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related field.
- Strong understanding of piezoelectric materials and energy transduction mechanisms.
- Hands-on experience with finite element analysis tools (ANSYS or equivalent).
- Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, etc.).
- Experience with mechanical testing and data acquisition systems.
- Proficiency with MATLAB, Python or similar tools.
- Knowledge of electrical circuits and power measurement.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to present technical results clearly in both written and spoken English.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams.
- Adaptability to new environments, technologies and working methodologies.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Preferred additional qualifications: Prior experience with piezoelectric devices or actuators. Experience with dynamic signal analysis and frequency response characterization. Hands-on prototyping and laboratory experience. Understanding of vibration and cantilever beam mechanics.
ABB AG
+49 (0) 621 381 3500
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Working student essentials
What this Engineering internship in Mannheim means for you: the pay rules, the social contributions, and what international students should check before applying.
Weekly hours
Internships have no 20-hour cap, but a voluntary internship longer than three months generally has to pay at least the German minimum wage. Mandatory internships in your study programme are exempt.
Working student rulesSocial contributions
Mandatory internships are largely exempt from social contributions. Voluntary internships are treated like regular employment once they run long enough, so contributions usually apply.
Check your insuranceInternational students
Non-EU students can work 140 full or 280 half days per year (raised from 120/240 in March 2024). A working student contract usually fits within this — confirm the exact limits printed on your residence permit.
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