Renewables Engineering Co-op (Spring + Summer 2027)

Valero Energy; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Valero Energy invites engineering students to join its Renewables Engineering Co-op for Spring through Summer 2027. The program offers hands-on experience in a bio-refining environment, with mentors and real-world projects.

Interns will support the Engineering Manager across design, modification and operation of plant equipment, while learning through a formal mentor program and internal training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Biosystems Engineering or related engineering major required.
• A minimum of 60 credit hours by the start of the intern / co-op program required.
• Graduation date on or after the end of the intern / co-op program required.
• Ability to work 40 hours per week required.
• Overall GPA of 3.0 (or higher) on a 4.0 scale preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical support for the ethanol plant and engineering manager.
• Supports design, modification and operation of process equipment in the ethanol plant.
• Develops and executes capital, expense and maintenance projects safely and efficiently.
• Prepares justification, cost estimates and project documents for approval.
• Develops technical specifications to procure equipment and services.
• Supports maintenance and operations as a technical resource.
• Complies with OSHA PSM requirements including MOCs, P&IDs, isometrics, and equipment specs.

Education

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Biosystems Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Job Description - Renewables Engineering Co-op (Spring + Summer 2027) (26001BC)

Job Number:

26001BC

Description

Are you ready to join one of the leading marketers in renewable fuels and alternative energy? Valero is on the search for energetic and motivated students to join the Valero Intern Program. The internship program has openings for Renewables Engineering Co-ops and Interns who are ready for new and exciting challenges in a bio-refining environment.

Technical Support

Provides assistance to the Engineering Manager by providing technical support for the ethanol plant. Supports activities related to the design, modification and operation of process equipment in the ethanol plant. Supports projects from conception through completion including the development, design and execution of capital, expense and maintenance projects in a safe and efficient manner.

• Works with operations and maintenance personnel to provide optimization, troubleshooting advice and generalized technical guidance.
• Prepares justification, cost estimates and other project documents as required for approval.
• Develops technical specifications to procure equipment and services.
• Supports maintenance and operations as a technical resource.
• Completes other requirements for compliance with OSHA Process Safety Management Regulations including but not limited to the maintenance of documentation such as MOCs, P&IDs, isometrics, and equipment specifications.

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

This position is a Spring through Summer Co-op which requires the student to work 40 hours per week at the ethanol plant from mid-January through mid-August.

Positions may be available at any of the following locations:
Albert City, IA
Albion, NE
Bloomingburg, OH
Bluffton, IN
Charles City, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Hartley, IA
Lakota, IA
Mount Vernon, IN
Welcome, MN

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in Chemical, Mechanical or Biosystems Engineering or related engineering major required.
• A minimum of 60 credit hours by the start of the intern / co-op program required.
• Graduation date on or after the end of the intern / co-op program required.
• Ability to work 40 hours per week required.
• Overall GPA of 3.0 (or higher) on a 4.0 scale preferred.

Valero’s pre-employment process includes successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screen.

About the Valero Intern Program

Come and be a part of an engaging, fast-paced and meaningful internship! Valero’s Intern Program gives students a chance to turn their knowledge into hands‑on experience. Students will have the opportunity to learn from the industry’s best through a formal mentor program, as they take on real-world projects. As a Valero Intern, you will be invited to visit Valero’s Headquarters for the annual Intern Symposium. Symposium is a two‑day conference full of guest speakers, professional development sessions, and fun‑filled events. The Valero Intern Program is more than a line item on your resume – it will prepare you for your future career. For more information, visit Valero.com.

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/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero. Valero’s market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.