Assignment type: Graduation
Start date: As soon as possible
Assignment duration: 6 months
Location: Veghel
Educational Level: Master
Desired study: Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Material Science, Sustainability Engineering or related sudies
Language: Dutch / English
Description of the assignment
Vanderlande wants to reduce the Carbon Footprint impact of the solutions that are being designed and delivered. As an OEM we can decide which materials we use in our products. The most common materials are steel, aluminium, plastic and conveyor belt materials. All these materials have a certain impact on the environment in the form of a carbon equivalent emission factor (CO2eq).
The assignment is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint impact of our products through design. Which materials have the highest impact? And how can we reduce this? The bottom line is: Design for minimal carbon impact, over the life cycle of a product. Which methodology should Vanderlande apply to achieve this and what would be the impact on our business if we do this? Are there alternative materials or design methods we can apply to achieve a maximal reduction? Can you demonstrate the efficacy of this methodology by performing a redesign on one of our products, with the methodology as proposed by you?
Depending on the intern’s background, skills and interest, the assignment can be steered towards a more technical or a business subject.
Desired result
A thorough analytical analysis of the impact of (one/a few of) Vanderlande’s products. A design methodology for low carbon product design and recommendations on ‘how to implement this in Vanderlande’s current design process’.
The results will consist of an overview of learnings and recommendations on the way forward.
These results will help Vanderlande shape a sustainable future. The way these results are achieved, the methodology used and the plan of approach are to be defined by the student.
Deliverables:
- Mid-term presentation
- Master Thesis report (target audience university)
- End-Term presentation (target audience Vanderlande)
- Summary slide deck for internal use and distribution
Description of department
You will become part of Vanderlande’s Innovate Department. We focus on new technologies in the market, and how they can and will apply to the future of Vanderlande’s Material Handling Solutions. Innovate is the ‘R’ in R&D. We work with a multidisciplinary team of innovative people in short, 3 month explorations after which teams deliver a proof of concept, minimum viable product, or otherwise agreed deliverable.
The topic of sustainability is very important for Vanderlande and also carried within the Innovate department. The position of Innovate within the company organization gives broad access to all business segments, departments and units within the company. This makes it the perfect place to quickly learn a lot about the structure of a large company. The easy going, flat, company culture makes it easy for you to approach all the people you will need to connect to.
Skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Knowledge of sustainable design processes and tools is preferred
- Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to support in stakeholder management
- Excellent in Dutch and English writing and verbal communication skills
Contact
Do you recognize yourself in this challenging profile? Are you looking for an internship in an organization that has been elected as “Best Employer” for years in a row? Please fill out the application form and upload your resume and cover letter. For more information, contact us by e-mail: internship@vanderlande.com or contact Stef Alferink (Campus Recruiter) by phone: +31 (0)413 – 75 50 87.