Chemical Engineering/Engineering Science/Chemical Engineering Technology Co-op Student

Vale Base Metals; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible work arrangements

Career development opportunities

Safety boot allowance & glasses reimb.

Job summary

Vale Base Metals is recruiting two co-op students for our Technology & Innovation team in Mississauga. These on-site roles run for 16 months starting January 2027, offering hands-on experience in hydrometallurgy processing of nickel, copper and cobalt, with exposure to Vale operations in Canada and abroad.

You will conduct literature reviews, assist lab/test programs, analyze results, and contribute to process design deliverables within a safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in 3rd or 4th year of a university/college bachelor’s program in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or Chemical Technology.
• Solid verbal, written, and analytical communication skills.
• Excellent MS Office knowledge.
• Proven time management, organization, and ability to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature searches and document reviews on research papers and patents.
• Assist in design, implementation, and safe execution of chemical laboratory and miniplant testwork programs.
• Analyze testwork results and prepare reports/presentations with mass and energy balances.
• Provide technical support for engineering design deliverables like process design criteria/basis.
• Participate in HAZOPs and other safety reviews.
• Promote safe working environment within the team.
• Assist with inspections in labs and miniplant facilities and communicate focus areas.

Skills

Communication skills

MS Office

Time management

Teamwork

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Chemical Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering

Materials Science & Engineering

Chemical Technology

Job description

Ready to build a rewarding career in an industry that is growing?

Who We Are

We are Vale Base Metals – a global supplier of the critical minerals transforming the future.

With industry-leading reserves of copper and nickel in Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia, and state-of-the-art infrastructure in the U.K., Canada, and Japan, VBM delivers a secure and responsible supply of high-quality products to customers across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Global demand for critical minerals is growing exponentially. From energy to aerospace, batteries to magnets, robotics to artificial intelligence, a secure and responsible supply of critical minerals is fundamental to power modern technologies. And at Vale Base Metals, we are transforming our business to provide a secure and responsible supply of these minerals.

Join our diverse team of 15,000 talented individuals committed to providing mineral security to a world in transition. We invite you to put your skills to work, driving meaningful and enduring change while enjoying a rewarding career.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking two Chemical Engineering/Engineering Science/Chemical Engineering Technology co‑op students to join our Technology & Innovation team in Mississauga.

The role is on-site and a 16 month fixed term position starting in January 2027. This posting is for an existing position vacancy.

As a Chemical Engineering/Engineering Science/Chemical Engineering Technology student, you will have the opportunity to further your development, gaining practical knowledge and experience working closely within the Hydrometallurgy group on a range of processes related to nickel, copper and cobalt processing. You will also gain a deeper understanding of our company and our sustainable approach to mining via exposure to other Vale operations in Canada and abroad.

Additionally, in this position you will:

• Conduct literature search and document reviews on research papers and patents relative to undertaken projects
• Assist in the design, implementation and safe execution of chemical laboratory and miniplant testwork programs
• Perform testwork results analysis from a variety of inputs, along with mass and energy balance, prepare reports and presentations
• Provide technical support for preparation of engineering design deliverables such as process design criteria and process design basis
• Participate in HAZOP’s and other safety reviews
• Plan and implement work in a manner that promotes a safe working environment in collaboration with other members of the team
• Assist with various inspections within the labs and miniplant facilities and effectively communicate areas requiring focus

What We Offer You

• Competitive compensation
• Flexible work arrangements
• Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth
• Online training and career development opportunities
• Opportunities to build your network and lots of fun!
• All Personal Protective Equipment is provided upon hire. Employees are given a safety boot allowance and receive a 100% reimbursement for prescription safety glasses.

About You

Education:

• Currently enrolled in your third or fourth year of an accredited University or College bachelor's degree program in any of the following disciplines: Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Technology.

Skills:

• Solid verbal, written and analytical communication skills.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Proven time management and organization skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and a proven safety record are essential.

Why Mississauga

Vale Base Metals' Mississauga office, located in one of Canada's fastest growing and most diverse cities, is the epicenter of the company's technology development team. This office focuses on advancing Vale Base Metals' competitive edge and refining growth strategies to ensure long-term sustainability. The innovative and dynamic environment of Mississauga perfectly complements Vale Base Metals’ commitment to technological excellence and sustainable development.

Include to Transform

At Vale Base Metals, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive work environment where people can act like owners, being their authentic selves and empowering them to deliver results. Vale Base Metals encourages everyone to express their ideas and opinions and values the plurality of individual profiles. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are critical to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal consideration that makes us different.

Vale is an equal opportunity employer seeking to increase diversity across our operations and improve equal opportunity at Vale and in the mining industry. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accommodation is available throughout our recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Employees engaged by the company must be lawfully able to work for the company in the country where the role is located. The company does not provide immigration, work permit, or permanent residence sponsorship or assistance.

Vale uses artificial intelligence to screen, assess, and/or select applicants for this position.

Pay Grade: UT3

Minimum Starting Salary: $26.75

Apply by: Friday, October 9 2026

#ValeBaseMetals