Mechanical Engineering Co-Op

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

We Are Looking For:

• Eligible student candidates will be enrolled in a Baccalaureate program of study (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale), in which they have completed their sophomore year in an accredited curriculum in Mechanical Engineering.

• Successful completion of applied superconductivity and/or thermal-fluids courses is desirable.

• Ability to read mechanical drawings and process flow and electrical schematics

• Ability to use a computer for performing engineering analysis, writing reports, and crafting presentations

• Consideration will be given to students who have completed their first year and have proven strong skill in mathematics and basic engineering sciences

• Students on a semester based academic calendar are required to work a minimum of 3 alternating semesters, while 4 quarters are required for those on a quarter based academic calendar.

• For more information, please see the undergraduate co-op program webpage: Undergraduate Cooperative Education Program | Internships

• Abide by all environment, safety, and health regulations.

• Contribute effectively within a diverse workforce, and uphold Fermilab’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Representative duties may include the following in each area of specialization:

Engineering

• Provides solutions to basic engineering problems.
• Assists in all facets of engineering projects, including engineering analysis, design, prototyping, tooling development, component specification and testing, test data acquisition and analysis, performance testing, procedural development, and documentation.
• Performs device and system diagnostics, simple module testing and design, inventory control, module assembly, schematic entry and printed circuit board layout.

Computer Science

• Supports the installation and maintenance of electronics at experimental sites.
• Writes simple software.
• Assists with data analysis from HEP experiments.

ES&H

• Performs as well as assists on inspections, inventories, accident investigations, safety training and the issuing of personal protective equipment.
• Monitors hazardous activities, interprets, and analyzes data, and prepares reports.
• Assists with scintillating fiber R&D and production.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
Varies by assignment. This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. Actual responsibilities and requirements may vary.

Minimum Required Education and Experience: High school diploma (or equivalent) and must be enrolled at a college or university in good standing.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit:
• Online application
• Unofficial transcript
• Proposed Cooperative Education Schedule, with a preferable start date in Summer 2026 or Fall 2026.
o Quarterly: https://internships.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fermilab-Cooperative-Education-Program-Worksheet-Quarter.pdf
o Semester: https://internships.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fermilab-Cooperative-Education-Program-Worksheet-Semester.pdf

Co-Op Details:
• Program Dates: Summer 2026 (June - August) or Fall 2026 (Sept - Dec)
• Application Period: April 6, 2026 - May 6, 2026

If you have any questions, please email Internships@fnal.gov.

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.