R&D Intern - Circular Economy – Technology strategy planning

Get to know your team and responsibilities

Team/division description

The Technology Strategy & Planning Division Provide the R&D function with efficient business processes and operations to complete development & research work within targets and manage R&D future strategy with top management and relative stakeholders.

In the area of Circular Economy (CE), we define and lead the global R&D CE strategy, linking materials to parts to vehicles. We propose future vehicle circularity targets, taking into account technologies, regulatory trends, and cost-efficiency. Additionally, we develop processes and tools to track progress and support the achievement of those targets throughout the product lifecycle.

Your project

• During your internship, you will support the Circular Economy (CE) team within the Technology Strategy & Planning Division on the following key activities:

  • Linking material trend maps to vehicle components: You will help connect data on available and future material trends with specific parts and vehicles. The goal is to support the creation of future vehicle Circular Economy scenarios, focusing on technology choices and recycled content potential.

   

  • Dismantlability analysis of a Toyota model: You will analyse and create a summary report based on a vehicle dismantlability study, aiming to evaluate competitiveness and identify potential improvements. This work will contribute to assessing compliance with the proposed EU End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) regulation, particularly regarding 19 specific part categories that the EU Commission requires to be easily dismantled prior to vehicle shredding.
•  
  • Research, analyse, and summarize digital tools in Europe for material traceability. The objective is to provide an overview of current EU initiatives focused on regulatory compliance, improved information flow for material circulation, and the development of sustainable business models.

Who are we looking for?

Your profile

• You are a student in higher education with at least two years of completed study, ideally in Engineering Science, Business Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Engineering.
• You are fluent in English (spoken, written, and reading); proficiency in additional languages is a strong asset.
• You have an open, proactive personality and are comfortable working independently within a multi-cultural, international business environment.
• You have a genuine passion for innovation and for creating value for customers.
• Coursework or experience related to sustainability and/or the circular economy is considered a strong plus.

• Digital skills, especially the ability to process and visualize large data sets, are also a valuable asset.

Starting date

•  May-July

Duration

•  6 months

Confidentiality

Due to business requirement, not all performed projects can be reflected in the internship report. This issue needs to be discussed with candidate/school in advance.

It is mandatory that applicants are students for the entire period of the internship.

We can only accept students with an EEA or Swiss citizenship (not requiring a work permit or visa to be eligible to perform an internship in Belgium)

Our offer

We offer a dynamic multicultural work environment with broad opportunities to learn every day and exciting career pathways that help you explore different disciplines or areas of expertise.

Your benefits

• Flexible working hours and hybrid working (homeworking, 10 days from abroad);
• Company restaurant – Warm dishes, salads and desserts daily, including Japanese and traditional Belgian specialties, as well as a vegan/vegetarian option;
• Sport facilities – Tennis, squash, volleyball, football and softball pitches are available at various Toyota sites;
• Team building activities and other personnel related events;
• Programs to support your physical and social well-being.