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Co Op Graduate Jobs in Rochester, WA (NOW HIRING)

Co Op Graduate information

See Rochester, WA salary details

$24

$31

$43

How much do co op graduate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for co op graduate in Rochester, WA is $31.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.12 and $31.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you do a co-op as a master's student?

Yes, master's students can participate in co-op programs, which are often integrated into their academic curriculum to gain practical experience. Eligibility and availability depend on the institution and employer requirements, and students may need to meet specific academic or visa criteria. Co-op roles typically involve working full-time for a semester or more, providing valuable industry exposure and skill development.

What are Co Op Graduates?

Co Op Graduates are individuals who have completed a cooperative education (co-op) program as part of their college or university studies. These programs combine classroom learning with paid, hands-on work experience in a field related to their major. Co Op Graduates gain valuable industry experience, build professional networks, and often have a competitive advantage in the job market after graduation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Co Op Graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Co Op Graduate, you typically need a strong academic background in your field of study, relevant coursework, and a willingness to learn on the job. Familiarity with industry-specific software, data analysis tools, or project management systems is often expected depending on your discipline. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you integrate quickly and contribute effectively to projects. These skills and qualities are essential for gaining practical experience, building professional relationships, and smoothly transitioning into a full-time role after graduation.

What is a graduate co-op?

A graduate co-op is a structured program that allows recent graduates to gain practical work experience related to their field of study, often through paid or unpaid internships integrated with their academic curriculum. These programs typically last several months and help develop skills, industry knowledge, and professional networks before full-time employment.

What does co-op mean for jobs?

A co-op for jobs, especially for a Co Op Graduate, is a structured program that combines academic study with paid work experience in a related field. It allows students or recent graduates to gain practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional connections while completing their education or early career stages.

How much does co-op pay per hour?

Co-op graduate positions typically pay between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Compensation may also vary based on the company's size and the specific responsibilities of the role.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a Co-Op Graduate, and how do they support my professional growth?

As a Co-Op Graduate, you'll typically work on a variety of real-world projects that align with your academic background and the organization's needs. These responsibilities may include contributing to ongoing team initiatives, supporting project management tasks, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This hands-on experience not only helps you develop practical skills but also offers valuable insights into industry practices and workplace dynamics. Many organizations assign mentors to Co-Op Graduates, providing guidance and feedback to foster learning and career development. Successfully completing a co-op placement can also enhance your future job prospects within the company or industry.

What is the difference between Co Op Graduate vs Intern?

AspectCo Op GraduateIntern
CredentialsRecent degree or in final year of studyEnrolled student or recent graduate
Work EnvironmentPaid, structured work placements integrated with studiesTypically unpaid or stipend-based, short-term experience
Employer UsageUsed to evaluate potential full-time hires, part of academic programGaining initial industry exposure, skill development

Co Op Graduates are usually students in structured work programs that are paid and integrated with their academic curriculum, often leading to full-time employment. Interns are generally short-term, less formal, and may be unpaid, focusing on gaining initial industry experience. Both roles serve as entry points but differ mainly in duration, compensation, and integration with education.

What cities near Rochester, WA are hiring for Co Op Graduate jobs? Cities near Rochester, WA with the most Co Op Graduate job openings:
Infographic showing various Co Op Graduate job openings in Rochester, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,019 per year, or $31.3 per hour.
Fall 2026 Graduate Engineer Internship/Co-op

Fall 2026 Graduate Engineer Internship/Co-op

SpaceX

Olympia, WA • On-site

$100K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 63 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

FALL 2026 GRADUATE ENGINEER

As a Graduate Engineer, you will be responsible for working on creative solutions to real aerospace challenges. You will be given as much responsibility as our full-time engineers and will be an integral part of the team. If you've demonstrated a commitment to academic success and motivation to apply your knowledge outside of the classroom, you are a great candidate!

Graduate Engineer roles are available with a variety of engineering teams across the company including design, manufacturing and operations at Bastrop, TX; Cape Canaveral, FL; Hawthorne (Los Angeles), CA; Irvine, CA; McGregor (Waco), TX; Redmond, WA; Starbase, TX and Vandenberg, CA.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)
  • Enrolled in a graduate program by the start of employment and holds a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics or math discipline
  • Applicant for this graduate engineer position must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (e.g., green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • GPA of 3.5 or above
  • 9+ months experience of application of technical skills outside of the classroom (examples: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects or prior internship/work experience)
  • Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic professional setting with changing needs and requirements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able to work full time, onsite for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning in August or September 2026
  • Able to provide own transportation for positions at Bastrop, Cape Canaveral, McGregor and Vandenberg locations

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Graduate Engineer/Completed Bachelor's: $83,200.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed Master's: $91,000.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed PhD: $100,100.00/per year

Your salary will be determined by academic level. Pay is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs, as well as access to our comprehensive medical coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan. Students joining SpaceX through our graduate engineer program will receive the opportunity to attend presentations from company leaders, social and networking events, as well as professional and personal development trainings. Graduate Engineers are also eligible for paid company holidays. SpaceX offers 10 or more paid holidays per year.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:

DRAGON: Dragon is the most advanced human-rated spacecraft in the world. This capsule currently delivers critical science, cargo and crew safely to and from International Space Station, but further iterations and new designs will likely be necessary to extend humankind's reach to the moon, Mars, and beyond. This program includes roles in: Analysis, Avionics, Build Engineering, Integration & Test Engineering, Life Support Systems, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, Structures Design & Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering and more.

FALCON: The Falcon program tackles space exploration's toughest problems through the ongoing development of our reusable launch vehicles, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. These vehicles are currently responsible for delivering commercial, national security, and NASA satellites into orbit, as well as supply critical science, supplies, and crew to the International Space Station. This program includes roles in: Analysis, Avionics, Build Engineering, Components Engineering, Integration & Test Engineering, Launch Site Operations & Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, Recovery Engineering, Structures Design & Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering and more.

STARLINK: At SpaceX, we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 1M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. This program includes roles in: Analysis, Avionics, Components Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Integration & Test Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Operations Engineering, Structures Design & Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering and more.

STARSHIELD - Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As an intern on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of U.S. National Security. This program includes roles in: Avionics, Build Engineering, Components Engineering, Integration & Test Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Design & Engineering, Structures Engineering, and more.

STARSHIP: The Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket - collectively referred to as Starship - represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. As the most powerful launch system ever developed, Starship will be able to carry up to 100 people on long-duration, interplanetary flights. Starship will also enable satellite delivery, the development of a Moon base and point-to-point transport here on Earth. This program includes roles in: Analysis, Avionics, Automation & Controls, Build Engineering, Civil Engineering, Components Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Launch Site Operations & Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, Structures Design & Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering, Test Engineering and more.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.


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