Mechanical Engineering Co-Op Student

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.

About the Role:

The Accelerator Directorate Mechanical Support and Target Systems Departments pursue highly innovative research and development of target material, electromagnetic Horns, and associated instrumentation along with development of beamline vacuum components for accelerators to advance Fermilab’s scientific mission and help define the laboratory’s strategic direction. We operate accelerator test facilities and develop and build next generation accelerators and detectors using groundbreaking technologies. We also educate and train the next generation of physicists and engineers.

Fermilab’s AD Mechanical Support and Target Systems Departments seeks a Mechanical Engineering Cooperative Education Student. A Co-op Student takes on projects in support of the Mechanical and Target Systems at Fermilab under the direction of experienced engineers over the course of several semesters. Projects may include structural design, mechatronics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenics, vacuum applications, and more. Co-op students’ progress from basic tasks to complex projects and from close supervision to great independence over the course of the program.

Eligibility

• Full-time undergraduate enrollment in a 4-year program at a U.S. college or university for the duration of program participation
• Registered in academic institution’s cooperative education program
• Sophomore academic standing at minimum
• 18 years of age at time of employment
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Commitment to completing a minimum of three semesters or four quarters of work at Fermilab with alternating periods of full-time study
• Knowledge of Mechanical Engineering theory
• Skills in CAD and Microsoft Office
• Must be able to perform technical work and analysis
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Proof of health insurance

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume
• Unofficial transcript (upload under the resume section)
• Proposed Cooperative Education schedule (required at time of application submission; available below)
• Quarterly: Fermilab-Cooperative-Education-Program-Worksheet-Quarter.pdf (fnal.gov)  (upload under the resume section)
• Semester: Fermilab-Cooperative-Education-Program-Worksheet-Semester.pdf (fnal.gov) (upload under the resume section)

Co-Op Details

• Application Dates: May 18, 2026 - June 15, 2026
• Co-Op Program Period: Fall 2026
• Offer Date: June 30, 2026

If you have any questions or issues please contact internships@fnal.gov 

Physical Activity and Work Conditions
Human Factors: Mental Concentration, Sitting, Standing, Tight Work Schedule, Physically Demanding
Physical Factors: Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Hazard, and Oxygen Deficiency Hazard

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.