Intern – R&D Hydrogen Tank Development

Join the Fuel Cell R&D team at Toyota Motor Europe in Brussels for a 6-month internship focused on next-generation hydrogen tank development. You'll work on advanced materials for high-pressure tanks, including thermoplastic CFRP characterization, Type 5 tank technologies, and carbon fiber recycling. Combining research, lab testing, and prototype evaluation, you'll help identify improvements that enhance performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency in fuel cell vehicles.

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 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.

Team/division description

Material Engineering division (ME) is part of the R&D group at Toyota Motor Europe Technical Center in Zaventem, Belgium. The division uses extensive material knowledge and strong evaluation and analysis capabilities. Its mission is to conduct research, develop, and introduce attractive and environmentally friendly materials.

Within the Material Engineering division, the Fuel Cell (FC) technology team plays a key role in advancing sustainable vehicle solutions. This team is responsible for investigating and developing innovative technologies to reduce cost, improve sustainability, and enhance the performance of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The FC technology team works on everything from the fuel cell stack to the hydrogen tank. They support the introduction of these technologies into final products and help strengthen Toyota's image in Europe.

Your project

Your activity will focus on the development of new technologies for high pressure hydrogen tanks in three areas:

• Development of Type 5 tank mandrel materials for filament winding
• Characterization and analysis of thermoplastic CFRP tape materials for thermoplastic tanks
• Recycling carbon fiber from end-of-life tanks

You will use different approaches to deal with these topics, from literature study to material characterization to actual sample production and testing. The goal will be to identify technology gaps and issues, suggest solutions and improvement.

You will work closely with different engineers and possibly different divisions, and the achievements during your internship will support improving EU capabilities of TME in the FC materials development.

• You are fluent in English (TME's business language)
• Master in Materials/Chemical/Mechanical Engineering
• Familiar with material analytical techniques with hands-on working style
• Preferably knowledge about polymers and composites / CFRP
• Quick and eager learner with a flexible mind and genuine curiosity in technology
• Team player with good communication skills inside a multicultural environment.
• Basic computer skills: (MS Office), any data analysis and CAE knowledge is an asset

Place of employment

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

Starting date:  March to April 2026

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 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.

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.