Internship – Printing on fabrics for interior car application R&D Material Engineering

In a nutshell

Toyota Motor Europe’s R&D Material Engineering team is offering a 6-month internship (from March 2026) focused on developing innovative printed fabrics for car interiors. Based in Zaventem, Belgium, you will research and evaluate new 2D and 3D printing technologies on textile materials, conduct benchmarking and standardized testing, and assess performance, durability, sustainability, and cost.

Company Information

TOYOTA is one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers and a leading global corporation. Founded in 1937. Toyota now sells vehicles in 170 countries and employs over 350.000 people. Based in Brussels, Belgium, and staffed by 2.700 people and more than 60 nationalities, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) handles the wholesale marketing of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, parts & accessories, and manages Toyota’s European R&D, manufacturing, and engineering operations.

We are excited to be transforming into a mobility company focusing on bringing even more happiness to our customers through various mobility solutions.

Your team and your responsibilities

Toyota Motor Europe R&D Centre is responsible for:

•   Developing vehicles and making concept proposals for European core models.

• Reflecting EU technologies to Toyota vehicles timely by utilizing a location advantage and a strong network with European partners.

The Material Engineering division (ME) is part of the R&D group at Toyota Motor Europe Technical Center in Zaventem, Belgium. By utilization of wide and deep material knowledge as well as evaluation & analysis capability, its mission is to conduct research, to develop and to introduce attractive & environment-friendly materials.

The Organic Material team is responsible for the development of seat cover materials (fabrics, artificial and genuine leathers) as well as interior and exterior plastic trim materials. Our key role is to qualify European materials and to assure their performance and durability over the lifetime of the vehicle. In line with Toyota 2050 Environmental Challenge, our group is currently focusing on innovative sustainable technologies (low carbon footprint material such as recycled or biobased materials).

Your Projects

• Conduct benchmarking of existing technologies
• Select promising candidates, prepare evaluation plan and conduct preliminary evaluations
• Judge future potential considering performance, LCA and cost
• Conduct sample preparation and preliminary evaluation

• Study relevant textile standards (e.g., adhesion, durability, light fastness, flexibility…).
• Support design and 3D print patterns intended for direct application on fabric.
• Conduct standardized tests.
• Record, analyze, and compare test results against internal standards.
• Identify defects, limitations, and areas for optimization.
• Prepare a final report summarizing methods, results, and recommendations.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree Student in material science, polymers.
• Specific knowledge on 3D printed material is a significant asset.
• Good knowledge of polymer materials, their properties and their processing techniques
• Familiar with material and chemical analytical techniques, with hands-on working style
• Fluent in English (verbal/written), additional European language skills are an asset
• Quick and eager learner with a flexible mind and good eye for details
• Team player with good communication skills

Place of employment:                   

• Belgium - Brussels (Zaventem): Toyota Motor Europe, Technical Centre

Starting date:

From March ’26,  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)

We 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.

A truly diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace

At Toyota Motor Europe, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all. All our recruitment decisions are based on the individual and their qualifications along with the job requirements. The selection process is without regard to nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, ethnicity, disability or other personal characteristics. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination as our individual experiences and overall diversity is our key strength. Together we have the power to make a positive change and go beyond the ordinary.

If you need any specific consideration for the interview process due to disability or any other reason, please let the recruiter know.