Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology – Engineering R&D Intern

https://www.a-star.edu.sg/simtech/about-us

A*STAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (A*STAR SIMTech), is a research institute of A*STAR. We are the national leader in applied R&D, helping companies transform and innovate for Industry 5.0.

A*STAR SIMTech supports Singapore’s 2030 vision of driving Growth, Innovation and Talent in advanced manufacturing through deep expertise, industry collaboration, and cutting-edge technologies.

A*STAR SIMTech’s unique T-Shape Industry Engagement Model delivers high impact by combining:

Broad Engagement through collaborative industry projects and SME platform technologies; 

Deep Engagement via joint labs and long-term research partnerships

About the Project

Join A*STAR SIMTech to develop applied polymer processing technologies for lightweight thermoplastic components through Foam Injection Moulding (FIM). You will work on an R&D project focused on forming controlled internal cellular structures in injection-moulded plastics to reduce material usage, tune mechanical response, and support next-generation sustainable manufacturing.

The project has a strong applied focus, involving material selection, process development, sample testing, and performance evaluation of components/parts.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Development

• Support development of foam injection moulding processes.
• Assist in material preparation, drying, compounding or additive blending.
• Prepare polymer samples and injection-moulded test specimens.
• Support process trials using chemical blowing agents and thermoplastic resins.
• Help optimise processing parameters such as temperature, injection speed, shot size and moulding conditions.

Materials Characterisation

• Measure weight reduction, density and dimensional stability of moulded parts.
• Perform mechanical, thermal and microscopic characterisation.
• Evaluate foam morphology, cell structure and skin-core behaviour.
• Compare foamed and solid polymer parts in terms of stiffness, strength and surface quality.

Data Analysis

• Analyse process-property relationships from moulding trials.
• Organise and visualise experimental data.
• Review technical literature and benchmark FIM technologies.
• Prepare technical summaries, reports and presentation materials.

Requirements

Educational Background

Currently pursuing a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Polymer Engineering
• Or related disciplines

Preferred Skills

• Interest in polymer processing, injection moulding and advanced manufacturing
• Basic laboratory or engineering experience
• Careful experimental handling and safety awareness
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to work with processing machines and characterisation tools

Bonus Skills

• Experience with polymer processing, moulding or materials testing
• Knowledge of CAD, Moldflow, CAE or part design
• Programming or data analysis experience using Python, MATLAB, Excel or similar tools
• Basic understanding of polymers, foams, composites or manufacturing processes

What You Will Gain

• Hands-on experience in applied polymer processing and foam injection moulding
• Exposure to industrial R&D, injection moulding equipment and materials characterisation
• Training in experimental design, process optimisation and engineering data analysis
• Understanding of lightweighting, cellular materials and sustainable manufacturing
• Opportunity to work with multidisciplinary researchers on practical manufacturing challenges
• Valuable experience for careers in advanced manufacturing, materials engineering, aerospace, sustainability and industrial R&D