Engineering Internship Aerodynamic Optimization for Road & Gravel Systems
Engineering Internship Aerodynamic Optimization for Road & Gravel Systems
Location : Specialized Innovation Center Freiburg Germany
Duration : 46 months
Start Date : Q1Q2 2026
ABOUT SPECIALIZED
Innovation has guided our every decision since 1974. As more riders of all ages get on the roads trails and streets than ever before were here to do the best work of our lives to push the greatest human-powered machine into the futureeach and everyday. Were a team of barrier-breakers disrupters and problem solvers. Were committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where every teammate can succeed as we inspire riders everywhere.
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP
Join Specializeds Road & Gravel Engineering Team for a hands-on engineering internship focused on designing optimizing and industrializing a new proprietary system for highperformance road and gravel bikes.
You will drive a complete product development cycle from early concept exploration through CFD-based aero optimization and windtunnel validation all the way to a toolready prototype prepared for mass production.
This internship sits at the intersection of aerodynamics mechanical design materials engineering and product industrialization offering a uniquely holistic experience in performance-driven product creation.
HOW YOUll MAKE A DIFFERENCE
1. Concept Development & Evaluation
- Analyze existing road and gravel solutions and competitor benchmarks
- Create and evaluate multiple system concepts with a focus on :
Aerodynamic performance
Usability and ergonomicsIntegration with frames and componentsManufacturing feasibility and cost implications2. Aerodynamic Development
Set up and run CFD simulations across a variety of yaw anglesOptimize geometries for realworld riding conditionsCollaborate with aero and design engineers to define simulation targets and boundary conditions3. Mechanical Design & Industrialization
Build detailed 3D CAD models of the system and its interfacesDefine materials tolerances wall thicknesses and assembly strategyIncorporate tooling molding and process constraints into the design4. Prototyping & Validation
Support or lead the build of functional prototypesPlan and execute windtunnel test sessionsCompare CFD predictions against windtunnel data and iterate designs accordingly5. Production Readiness
Deliver a complete toolready design package (CAD drawings BOM)Document validation results and design decisionsSupport handover to manufacturing and supplier engineering teamsExpected Deliverables
Concept trade-off study and design rationaleCFD results demonstrating measurable aero improvementsWindtunnel validation reportFully detailed CAD and drawing packagePrototype validated for aerodynamics function and manufacturabilityWHAT YOULL NEED TO WIN
Currently enrolled in Mechanical Engineering Product Design / Product Engineering or a related fieldStrong interest in aerodynamics and performance product developmentSolid experience with CAD tools (Creo SolidWorks CATIA NX or similar)Basic experience with CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent Star-CCM OpenFOAM etc.)Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skillsAbility to work independently while collaborating with senior engineersIts a plus when you have :
Experience with aerodynamic optimization or windtunnel testingPassion for cycling and performance sports equipmentBasic understanding of manufacturing processes and toolingWHAT WE OFFER
Monthly stipendOwnership of a real productionintent productPractical experience across CFD prototyping and windtunnel validationExposure to the full concepttoindustrialization workflowClose collaboration with industryleading engineers and aero specialistsA dynamic work environment in Freiburgone of Europes top cycling and outdoor hubsRequired Experience :
Intern
Key Skills
React Native,AI,Enterprise Software,React,Node.js,Redis,AWS,Software Development,IOS,Team Management,Product Development,Mobile Applications
Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience : years
Vacancy : 1