Apollo Tyres Ltd
Internship overview – Smart Plasticiser Design at Apollo Tyres
Apollo Tyres Ltd, a leading international tyre manufacturer with plants in India and Europe, is offering an internship on “Smart Plasticiser Design for Tire Tread Performance” at its Global R&D Centre in Enschede, Netherlands. The position is part of the PV Compound Development and Industrialization team and focuses on optimising plasticiser systems in tread compounds to balance grip, wear, and processability across all‑season and winter conditions.
Important dates
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Job posted: 12 February 2026
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Application deadline: 31 August 2026
About the team – PV Compound Development and Industrialization
At the Enschede Global R&D centre, around 160 professionals develop new car tyres for the Apollo and Vredestein brands, supporting global markets and multiple plants. Within this organisation, the All‑season/Winter tread compound development group designs, develops, and industrialises advanced rubber compounds for winter and all‑season tyres. The group’s focus is delivering reliable traction, braking, and durability over dry, wet, snowy, and icy surfaces, while maintaining low rolling resistance and good wear performance.
Background and objective of the assignment
Tire tread compounds are sophisticated formulations that must simultaneously deliver wear resistance, traction, rolling resistance, and low‑temperature flexibility. Plasticisers such as process oils and resins are crucial ingredients that:
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Facilitate mixing and processing.
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Improve flexibility and lower compound viscosity.
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Enhance low‑temperature performance and dynamic response.
However, plasticiser level is a sensitive parameter:
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Too little plasticiser leads to stiff compounds, challenging processing, and potentially poor low‑temperature grip.
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Too much plasticiser can cause overly soft compounds, reduced wear resistance, and instability in performance over time.
The primary objective of this internship is to study and optimise plasticiser type and level (process oils and resins) in tyre tread compounds to achieve an optimal balance between performance, durability, and processability.
Specific goals include:
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Preparing tread formulations with different plasticiser types and loadings.
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Evaluating processability and key rubber properties of each formulation.
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Identifying optimal plasticiser levels that maximise overall tread performance.
Key tasks and responsibilities
During this internship, you will:
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Conduct a focused literature review on plasticisers, rubber compound rheology, and tread performance relationships.
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Prepare rubber compounds in the lab with systematically varied plasticiser types and dosages.
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Characterise compounds for processing behaviour and performance‑related properties (e.g., hardness, dynamic properties, low‑temperature flexibility), using lab equipment under supervision.
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Analyse and compare the impact of different plasticiser systems and levels on processability and predicted tyre performance.
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Summarise findings and recommendations in technical reports and presentations for the PV Compound Development and Industrialization team.
Candidate profile
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Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Technology, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
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Good command of English; Dutch language skills are an advantage.
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Basic computing skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office; knowledge of MATLAB or Minitab is beneficial for data analysis.
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Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt quickly to a laboratory and R&D team environment.
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Prior exposure to rubber compounds or a basic understanding of tyres is an advantage but not strictly mandatory.
What Apollo Tyres offers
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Exposure to industrial tyre development processes and materials research.
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Practical experience in rubber compounding, laboratory testing, and data analysis.
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A dynamic, innovative internship environment with your own workspace in the Enschede R&D facility.
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Internship allowance in the range of EUR 600–850 per month based on a full‑time position.
Additional details:
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Start date: 01 June 2026 (negotiable).
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Internship nature: Full‑time.
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Location: Colosseum 2, 7521 PT Enschede, Netherlands.
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For further details, the posting lists the contact email:
hr.rd.eu@apollotyres.com.
How to apply – official Apollo Tyres application link
To view the official posting and apply, use the Apollo Tyres careers portal for this internship (Job ID req2024):
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Application link:
https://apollotyres.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/2024?c=apollotyres
Applications must be submitted only through the official Apollo Tyres careers site or other channels mentioned on that page. GrowInJob.com does not collect CVs, conduct interviews, or charge any fees.
If you are also interested in related R&D and testing roles at Apollo Tyres in Enschede, you may want to explore this internship as well:
GrowInJob.com advice for candidates
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Show your materials mindset: Highlight coursework or projects in polymers, composites, rheology, or surface science, especially where you linked formulation changes to performance outcomes.
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Emphasise lab skills: Mention specific equipment and techniques you’ve used (mixers, rheometers, tensile testing, DSC/DMTA, etc.), as well as any experience with safety procedures in chemical labs.
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Connect to sustainability and performance: In your motivation letter, explain how smarter plasticiser design can improve tyre safety, durability, and environmental performance (e.g., rolling resistance and fuel efficiency).
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Be clear about availability: Confirm your ability to commit full‑time from June 2026 and align university requirements (e.g., thesis or internship credit) with Apollo’s expectations.
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To apply for this job please visit apollotyres.csod.com.
