Job Description

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 & EvaluationAnalyze existing road and gravel solutions and competitor benchmarks Create and evaluate multiple system concepts with a focus on: + Aerodynamic performance
+ Usability and ergonomics
+ Integration with frames and components
+ Manufacturing feasibility and cost implications



2. Aerodynamic DevelopmentSet up and run CFD simulations across a variety of yaw angles Optimize geometries for real?world riding conditions Collaborate with aero and design engineers to define simulation targets and boundary conditions

3. Mechanical Design & IndustrializationBuild detailed 3D CAD models of the system and its interfaces Define materials, tolerances, wall thicknesses, and assembly strategy Incorporate tooling, molding, and process constraints into the design


4. Prototyping & ValidationSupport or lead the build of functional prototypes Plan and execute wind?tunnel test sessions Compare CFD predictions against wind?tunnel data and iterate designs accordingly

5. Production ReadinessDeliver a complete, tool?ready design package (CAD, drawings, BOM) Document validation results and design decisions Support handover to manufacturing and supplier engineering teams

Expected DeliverablesConcept trade-off study and design rationale CFD results demonstrating measurable aero improvements Wind?tunnel validation report Fully detailed CAD and drawing package Prototype validated for aerodynamics, function, and manufacturability

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO WINCurrently enrolled in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design / Product Engineering, or a related field Strong interest in aerodynamics and performance product development Solid experience with CAD tools (Creo, SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar) Basic experience with CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM, etc.) Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills Ability to work independently while collaborating with senior engineers


It’s a plus when you have:Experience with aerodynamic optimization or wind?tunnel testing Passion for cycling and performance sports equipment Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and tooling

WHAT WE OFFERMonthly stipend Ownership of a real, production?intent product Practical experience across CFD, prototyping, and wind?tunnel validation Exposure to the full concept?to?industrialization workflow Close collaboration with industry?leading engineers and aero specialists * A dynamic work environment in Freiburg—one of Europe’s top cycling and outdoor hubs