Mechanical Engineering Co-Op Student

Fermi Research Alliance, LLC; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Fermilab's Accelerator Directorate Mech Support and Target Systems seeks a Mechanical Engineering Cooperative Education Student to work with engineers on projects spanning structural design, mechatronics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenics, and vacuum applications. The program progresses students from basic tasks to independent work across multiple semesters.

The role requires full-time undergrad enrollment in a 4-year program, CAD and Office skills, and eligibility to work in the United

Qualifications

• 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 GPA 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

Responsibilities

• Support Mechanical and Target Systems projects under supervision of experienced engineers.
• Contribute to structural design, mechatronics, and related analyses.
• Assist with documentation and testing for accelerator components.

Skills

ME theory

Education

Undergraduate 4-year program

Tools

CAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:

$21.26-$25.93.

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

Co-Op Details

• Application Dates: September 1, 2026 - October 1, 2026
• Co-Op Program Period: Spring 2026
• Offer Date: October 31, 2026

If you have any questions or issues please contact [e-mail]

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.

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.