Engineering Internship – Aerodynamic Optimization for Road & Gravel Systems
Engineering Internship – Aerodynamic Optimization for Road & Gravel Systems
Location: Specialized Innovation Center, Freiburg, Germany
Duration: 4–6 months
Start Date: Q1–Q2 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, we’re here to do the best work of our lives to push the greatest human-powered machine into the future each and every day. We’re a team of barrier-breakers, disrupters, and problem solvers. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where every teammate can succeed as we inspire riders everywhere.
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP
Join Specialized’s Road & Gravel Engineering Team for a hands-on engineering internship focused on designing, optimizing, and industrializing a new, proprietary system for high‑performance road and gravel bikes.
You will drive a complete product development cycle, from early concept exploration, through CFD-based aero optimization and wind‑tunnel validation, all the way to a tool‑ready 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 YOU’ll MAKE A DIFFERENCE
1. Concept Development & Evaluation
1. Analyze existing road and gravel solutions and competitor benchmarks
2. Create and evaluate multiple system concepts with a focus on:Aerodynamic performanceUsability and ergonomicsIntegration with frames and componentsManufacturing feasibility and cost implications
2. Aerodynamic Development
3. Set up and run CFD simulations across a variety of yaw angles
4. Optimize geometries for real‑world riding conditions
5. Collaborate with aero and design engineers to define simulation targets and boundary conditions
3. Mechanical Design & Industrialization
6. Build detailed 3D CAD models of the system and its interfaces
7. Define materials, tolerances, wall thicknesses, and assembly strategy
8. Incorporate tooling, molding, and process constraints into the design
4. Prototyping & Validation
9. Support or lead the build of functional prototypes
10. Plan and execute wind‑tunnel test sessions
11. Compare CFD predictions against wind‑tunnel data and iterate designs accordingly
5. Production Readiness
12. Deliver a complete, tool‑ready design package (CAD, drawings, BOM)
13. Document validation results and design decisions
14. Support handover to manufacturing and supplier engineering teams
Expected Deliverables
15. Concept trade-off study and design rationale
16. CFD results demonstrating measurable aero improvements
17. Wind‑tunnel validation report
18. Fully detailed CAD and drawing package
19. Prototype validated for aerodynamics, function, and manufacturability
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO WIN
20. Currently enrolled in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design / Product Engineering, or a related field
21. Strong interest in aerodynamics and performance product development
22. Solid experience with CAD tools (Creo, SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar)
23. Basic experience with CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM, etc.)
24. Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills
25. Ability to work independently while collaborating with senior engineers
It’s a plus when you have:
26. Experience with aerodynamic optimization or wind‑tunnel testing
27. Passion for cycling and performance sports equipment
28. Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and tooling
WHAT WE OFFER
29. Monthly stipend
30. Ownership of a real, production‑intent product
31. Practical experience across CFD, prototyping, and wind‑tunnel validation
32. Exposure to the full concept‑to‑industrialization workflow
33. Close collaboration with industry‑leading engineers and aero specialists
34. A dynamic work environment in Freiburg—one of Europe’s top cycling and outdoor hubs