Mechanical Engineering Co-Op

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory•Batavia, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a Mechanical Engineering Co-Op position at Fermilab, America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The co-op program is designed for eligible students enrolled in a Baccalaureate program in Mechanical Engineering, who have completed their sophomore year and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students on a semester-based academic calendar are required to work a minimum of 3 alternating semesters, while those on a quarter-based calendar require 4 quarters. The role involves contributing to various engineering projects, including analysis, design, prototyping, testing, and documentation, as well as supporting electronics installation, software development, and data analysis for High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments. Co-ops also assist with environmental, safety, and health (ES&H) duties such as inspections, accident investigations, and safety training. Fermilab emphasizes a safe, productive, and drug-free environment, requiring successful completion of background checks and drug screenings, and adherence to federal security directives like HSPD-12. The laboratory is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Enrolled in a Baccalaureate program of study (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
Completed sophomore year in an accredited curriculum in Mechanical Engineering.
Ability to read mechanical drawings and process flow and electrical schematics.
Ability to use a computer for performing engineering analysis, writing reports, and crafting presentations.
Students on a semester based academic calendar are required to work a minimum of 3 alternating semesters.
Students on a quarter based academic calendar are required to work a minimum of 4 quarters.
Abide by all environment, safety, and health regulations.
Contribute effectively within a diverse workforce, and uphold Fermilab’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
High school diploma (or equivalent).
Must be enrolled at a college or university in good standing.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of applied superconductivity and/or thermal-fluids courses.
Proven strong skill in mathematics and basic engineering sciences (for students who have completed their first year).

Responsibilities

Provides solutions to basic engineering problems.
Assists in all facets of engineering projects, including engineering analysis, design, prototyping, tooling development, component specification and testing, test data acquisition and analysis, performance testing, procedural development, and documentation.
Performs device and system diagnostics, simple module testing and design, inventory control, module assembly, schematic entry and printed circuit board layout.
Supports the installation and maintenance of electronics at experimental sites.
Writes simple software.
Assists with data analysis from HEP experiments.
Performs as well as assists on inspections, inventories, accident investigations, safety training and the issuing of personal protective equipment.
Monitors hazardous activities, interprets, and analyzes data, and prepares reports.
Assists with scintillating fiber R&D and production.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.