Internship: Research into a Compact Cutter Bar Drive for the Lely Exos

A sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable future for dairy farmers by combining robotization, engineering, and farming expertise. This is what we believe in. 

This journey began over 75 years ago with the dream of two brothers in Maassluis. Since then, we have become an innovative global leader in automated systems for dairy farmers worldwide. With 2,300 specialized professionals, we continuously work on new agricultural revolutions. We still do this from our Campus in Maassluis, the building with the highest achievable sustainability standards in the Netherlands, while also operating around the world. Our goal is to ensure that dairy farming remains attractive for future generations. 

During this internship you will investigate how the current cutter bar drive system can be redesigned to become smarter, more compact, and easier to integrate. You will have significant freedom to develop and evaluate innovative ideas while working on a real engineering challenge with direct relevance to future product improvements and prototype development.

You will experience the complete engineering process, from analysis and concept generation to technical evaluation and CAD design. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, you will translate calculations, dynamics, and drive technology into practical solutions for a machine that operates daily in the field.

Your main responsibilities

• Analyze the current drive system, including the motor, eccentric mechanism, and flywheel, focusing on loads, vibrations, power requirements, and packaging constraints.
• Investigate and compare alternative mechanical and electrical drive concepts for the cutter bar.
• Define evaluation criteria and create a concept selection matrix to objectively compare different solutions.
• Select and further develop one or two promising concepts.
• Create a preliminary design in Creo Parametric, including component selection, bearings, mounting solutions, and safety measures.
• Prepare a well-founded recommendation including proposals for prototype development, testing, and further research.

Practical Information

This assignment can be completed as either an educational internship or a graduation internship, depending on your educational requirements and learning objectives.

The start date, duration, and weekly working hours are flexible and can be determined in consultation. Ideally, you are available for at least six months and a minimum of 32 hours per week, allowing you to make a meaningful contribution to the project outcomes.

You are passionate about engineering and want to understand not only how systems work, but also how they can be improved. You enjoy analyzing technical challenges, exploring multiple solution directions, and evaluating them in a structured way. You can work independently while actively collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders.

In addition, you bring:

• You are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to investigate technical challenges in a structured manner.
• The ability to manage project work and maintain oversight between analysis, concept development, and design.
• A curious and critical mindset, with the confidence to challenge existing solutions.
• Preferably experience with 3D CAD software, such as Creo Parametric.
• You have strong English communication skills

At Lely, we offer you an educational and dynamic internship experience at one of the most innovative organizations in the Netherlands. You’ll become part of a driven team and have plenty of opportunities to further develop your talents. 

• An international working environment 
• An internship allowance of €650 per month based on a 40-hour work week 
• A student apartment if your commute is too long 
• Our modern Lely Campus gives you daily access to extensive sports facilities: an indoor gym, outdoor padel courts, a basketball and volleyball court, as well as table tennis and foosball. You can join Hyrox workouts or sign up for personal training – and challenge your colleagues during an active break. 
• Enjoy fresh coffee and tea from our in-house barista, made with milk straight from our farm, and a healthy, affordable company restaurant. 
• A free shuttle bus takes you to and from the metro station in Maassluis, ensuring your workday starts and ends smoothly. 
• We’re also proud that our dedication and vision have been recognized with the Rotterdam Entrepreneur Award 2025!