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

Valero Energy; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Valero Energy is offering a Mechanical Engineering Intern position for Summer 2027 across U.S. refining locations. The role focuses on reliability and project engineering, with hands-on exposure to equipment, maintenance analysis and project scoping.

Candidates must be pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree, maintain a 3.2+ GPA, and be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. A TWIC card eligibility is required, and pre-employment checks including background, drug screen, and physical may apply.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing Bachelor's degree in Mechanical 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.

Responsibilities

• Reliability Engineering: Troubleshoots equipment operation & maintenance problems. Analyzes equipment performance. Implements programs to improve reliability & decrease reactive maintenance.
• Project Engineering: Develops & engineers project scope for variety of capital expense and maintenance projects. Supports timely & efficient project execution.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Description - Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2027) – U.S. Refining Locations (26001D0)

Job Description

Job Number:

26001D0

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:

• Reliability Engineering: Troubleshoots equipment operation & maintenance problems. Analyzes equipment performance. Implements programs to improve reliability & decrease reactive maintenance.
• Project Engineering: Develops & engineers project scope for variety of capital expense and maintenance projects. Supports timely & efficient project execution.

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 Mechanical 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.

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.