Intern Colour Material Finish (CMF) (m/f/d) – Kia Europe Design Centre, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Job Overview

The Kia Europe Design Centre in Frankfurt am Main is offering an internship in Colour, Material and Finish design. The placement is open to students of all genders who remain enrolled at university throughout.

The intern works on Kia’s advanced and production car projects, supporting the experienced CMF team as it develops colour, material and finish proposals for both interiors and exteriors.

The output is visual and tactile: concept boards, trend research, material explorations and presentations built around Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy. A portfolio is part of the application. EUJOBHUB summarises the vacancy; Kia Europe Design manages applications.

About the Role

Kia Europe Design is part of Kia Europe GmbH and brings together designers, modellers and support staff. The employer describes a studio culture built for experimentation and for setting new standards rather than following them.

CMF sits at the point where design meets material reality — colours, textures, finishes and surface treatments that determine how a vehicle feels as much as how it looks. The intern translates those concepts into material boards, visual presentations and digital experiences used in reviews, collaborating with the design, CMF and digital modelling teams.

Job Summary

Internship Structure

The application form asks candidates to state when they can start and for how long, with options of four months, six months or more than six months. Enrolment at university must continue for the whole placement, and a valid visa and work permit for Germany are required. Applicants must upload an enrolment certificate along with a CV and portfolio, and the employer notes that data is retained for six months under GDPR.

Key Responsibilities

• Work on Kia’s advanced and production car projects, exploring how CMF design shapes future mobility.
• Support the experienced CMF team in developing colour, material and finish proposals for interior and exterior applications.
• Produce CMF concept boards, trend research, material explorations and visual presentations rooted in the Opposites United philosophy.
• Turn creative CMF concepts into material boards, visual presentations and digital experiences for reviews.
• Collaborate with the design, CMF and digital modelling teams on assigned projects.

Candidate Requirements

Education

• Currently enrolled at university in colour and material design, textile design, fashion design, industrial design, transportation design, product design or a related subject, and remaining enrolled for the full internship.

Professional Experience

• Not specified by the employer beyond the educational requirement.

Technical Skills

• Good grasp of CMF principles, covering materials, colours, finishes, textures and surface treatments.

Language Skills

• Excellent spoken and written English.

Other Qualifications

• Enjoyment of working with international teams and appreciation of cultural diversity.
• A track record of striking design concepts.
• Valid visa and work permit for Germany.

Salary

Not publicly specified by the employer.

International Candidates

Candidates should independently verify work authorization, visa, and relocation requirements with the employer. The listing does state that a valid visa and work permit for Germany, plus continuous university enrolment, are required.

How to Apply

Applications go through the Kia Europe Design online portal, with a LinkedIn route also offered. Candidates supply a CV, portfolio, enrolment certificate, availability and preferred internship duration. Original listing: Intern Colour Material Finish (CMF) (m/f/d), Kia Europe Design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CMF design?

Colour, Material and Finish — the discipline covering materials, colours, finishes, textures and surface treatments in vehicle interiors and exteriors.

How long can the internship run?

The application form offers four months, six months or more than six months.

Do I need to stay enrolled?

Yes. Enrolment at university must continue for the entire internship period.

Is a portfolio required?

Yes, the application form includes a portfolio upload alongside the CV and enrolment certificate.

Which subjects does Kia accept?

Colour and material design, textile design, fashion design, industrial design, transportation design, product design or a related field.

Is the internship paid?

The employer does not publish pay details for this placement.

EUJOBHUB Disclaimer

EUJOBHUB is an independent jobs website. We are not a recruitment agency and we are not affiliated with, nor do we represent, Kia Europe Design or Kia Europe GmbH. This article is an original editorial summary of an internship advertised by Kia Europe Design on its own careers portal. The employer handles applications, selection and candidate communication and may amend or withdraw the listing without notice. Please check the official posting before applying.