Application & Equipment Engineer Intern (f/m/diverse)

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Application & Equipment Engineer to join our ATSEL (Application Technology, Science, Engineering and Launch) team, part of the OEM Customer Development Lab (CDL) located in Quattordio.

The incumbent will support the ATSEL Engineering Manager in the various activities related to the management of application systems for Decorative products and ensure that the application capabilities within the Automotive OEM labs remain state-of-the-art and fully aligned with the technical requirements of European Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

The Application & Equipment Engineer will be directly involved in all the projects/activities connected to maintaining and upgrading application equipment and tools.

Being a member of the ATSEL team, he will collaborate and support the members of the Technical teams in the CDL organization which are responsible for the development and industrialization of new coating products for major European Automotive OEM customers.

The incumbent will also need to interact with Operation Engineering and Maintenance departments and will be a member of the European ATSEL Engineering team, contributing to projects focused on process optimization, best practice sharing, and cost optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Desire to create or increase knowledge of paint application hardware (automotive electrostatic atomizers, bell applicators, robot programming basics, fluid delivery systems).
• Equipment & Application Management: support the ATSEL Engineering Manager for installation, calibration, preventive maintenance, and continuous optimization of all application equipment (e.g., robotic spray booths, atomizers, curing ovens, dosing systems) within the technical center.
• OEM Equipment Provider Interface: support the ATSEL Engineering Manager who is the primary technical contact and subject matter expert with third-party equipment manufacturers and machinery vendors relevant to the European Automotive OEM sector.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: closely collaborate with other members of the ATSEL team as well as Laboratory scientists and R&D Chemists to translate formulation requirements into precise application parameters, validating new coating concepts under realistic application conditions.
• Standardization & Safety: support the ATSEL Engineering Manager to maintain rigorous documentation, operational procedures, and safety standards across all application tools and engineering activities.
• Support the implementation of new potential applications equipment devices and tools eventually needed by Quattordio Customer Development Labs.
• Work in compliance with PPG Environment, Health and Safety, 5S and Quality policies in accordance with business requirements and local regulations.

Education & Technical Skills

• Master’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Thermomechanical and Mechatronics Engineering with a strong hardware focus).
• Familiarity with diagnostic equipment maintenance, calibration techniques, and root-cause analysis is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with PLC/robotics software (e.g., ABB, FANUC, Dürr) and tools for application data collection and analysis (e.g., advanced Excel, Minitab, Data Loggers) are considered an added value.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Team-Oriented mindset: proactive approach to team building, collaboration, and building trust across diverse technical disciplines (chemists, engineers, technicians, and plant operators) aimed to create a cross-functional communication and collaboration.
• Curiosity & adaptability: a self-driven desire to learn and explore new engineering solutions and keep pace with fast-changing OEM industry trends.
• Capability to draft clear technical updates, reports, and briefings for management with moderate supervision.
• Languages: fluency in English is required (spoken and written); fluency in additional European languages (e.g., German, French) is a strong advantage.

• Contract: 6-month extracurricular internship
• Monthly allowance: €900 gross per month
• Company canteen available

About us: 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™ 

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X. 

The PPG Way 2030  

We are customer champions 

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow. 

We act with purpose and speed 

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.  

We are excellent operators 

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.   

We compete to win 

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths. 

We are PPG proud 

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world. 

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to  https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.  

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com. 

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.  
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process. 

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.