Chemical Engineering Intern (Summer 2027) – U.S. Refining Locations

Valero Energy; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Valero Energy invites Chemical Engineering students to join our Summer 2027 Internship across U.S. refining locations, offering hands-on projects in process, control systems, environmental and process safety engineering.

You must be pursuing a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, maintain a 3.2+ GPA, and be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. The program includes mentorship, development opportunities and compensation at $34.50–$41.50 per hour.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Chemical Engineering is required.
• GPA 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale preferred.
• Graduation dates August 2027 through May 2029 required.
• Ability to work 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Process Engineering: optimize and troubleshoot operating units.
• Control Systems Engineering: support hardware/software platforms and instrumentation.
• Environmental Engineering: assist with emission tracking and regulatory updates.
• Process Safety Engineering: support PSM program development and revision.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Description - Chemical Engineering Intern (Summer 2027) – U.S. Refining Locations (26001CW)

Job Description

Chemical Engineering Intern (Summer 2027) – U.S. Refining Locations (26001CW)

Job Number: 26001CW

Description

Are you ready to turn your passion for problem solving, teamwork and excellence into an exceptional future at Valero? As the world's premier independent refiner of transportation fuels, Valero is dedicated to caring for our interns’ well-being through professional development, mentorship, health and welfare benefits and volunteerism.

Join the Legacy. Fuel What's Next.

Major Accountabilities

The internship program inspires tomorrow’s innovators by developing highly motivated Chemical Engineering majors who are ready for challenging projects in the following areas:

Process Engineering

Works with field operators, console operators & unit managers to provide optimization, troubleshooting advice & generalized technical guidance on operating units within refinery.

Control Systems Engineering

Supports refineries through control & instrument activities. Supports hardware & software platforms. Troubleshoots when necessary.

Environmental Engineering

Assists with compliance reports & emission tracking. Performs & reports daily emissions calculations. Reviews & incorporates regulatory updates.

Process Safety Engineering

Supports development, implementation, review, audit, promotion and revision of Process Safety and Risk Management Program.

Positions may be available at any of the following locations:

• Wilmington, CA - Wilmington Refinery
• Meraux, LA - Meraux Refinery
• Norco, LA - St. Charles Refinery
• Ardmore, OK - Ardmore Refinery
• Memphis, TN - Memphis Refinery
• Corpus Christi, TX - Bill Greehey Refinery
• Houston, TX - Houston Refinery
• Texas City, TX - Texas City Refinery
• Port Arthur, TX - Port Arthur Refinery
• San Antonio, TX - Valero Headquarters
• Sunray, TX - McKee Refinery
• Three Rivers, TX - Three Rivers Refinery

This position is hourly nonexempt status, which means you are eligible for overtime pay.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in Chemical Engineering, required.
• Overall GPA of 3.2 (or higher) on a 4.0 scale, preferred.
• Graduation dates of August 2027 through May 2029, required.
• Ability to work 40 hours per week, required.
• Able and willing to work on-site and in-person, required.

Please include the following in your resume: Overall GPA and Major - Expected Graduation Date

All successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). It is Valero's policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Note: Valero's pre-employment process includes successful completion of a background check, drug screen, and pre-employment physical (if applicable).

About the Valero Intern Program

For three decades, the Valero Intern Program has helped launch exceptional careers by providing hands-on experience, meaningful projects and opportunities to work alongside industry experts. Our nationally recognized program helps interns to learn, connect and make real contributions across our operations, business teams and communities. Team Valero drives excellence from day one, and the Valero Intern Program is where it all begins.

Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The rate for this position is $34.50 to $41.50 per hour and represents Valero's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of expected compensation at the time of this posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of job-related factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications and experience.