Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Calgary, AB

The Opportunity:

Are you a student looking for an exciting opportunity that is full of meaningful, diverse, and ambitious assignments working alongside industry leading professionals? Join Canadian Natural, where we strive to provide opportunities based on your abilities, helping you to contribute in a meaningful way and apply your academic experience to challenging and rewarding projects!

As an Engineering Student working in one of our Facilities teams within our Thermal or Conventional business units, you will gain experience in the design, construction, modification, operation and optimization of oil and gas facilities. You will gain exposure to a variety of equipment and process designs used in Canadian Natural's operations.

• Multiple job locations: Calgary, St. Albert, Red Deer, Lloydminster, Bonnyville
• Shift schedule: 5 days on, 2 days off, 8 hours per day (Monday - Friday)
• Term lengths: 4, 8 or 12 months
• Term starts: January, May or September 2027
• Safety sensitive position: Yes

Key Accountabilities:

• Apply engineering principles to develop solutions for the Conventional or Thermal business units
• Conduct small facility changes, from initial scoping to close-out, using Canadian Natural's Management of Change Process (MOC), which includes design development, drawing updates, process hazard assessments, and commissioning and start-up support
• Encourage safety awareness within your projects and actively promote safety in the field during your regular trips to perform MOC/project work and meet with Canadian Natural operations
• Work with various teams on reliability focused improvements and initiatives through the application of Lean Six Sigma principles
• Participate in team meetings to ensure alignment of goals and priorities as well as liaise with the area Operations and Production team members

What You Bring to The Role:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Engineering or within one year of graduation (Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum, or Energy disciplines preferred)
• Possess a valid Class 5 Alberta driver's license or an equivalent out of province license

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Paid time off during Christmas week and summer Fridays in July and August
• Students may be eligible for relocation assistance pursuant to Canadian Natural's Student Relocation Policy 
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community
• Opportunities to partake in initiatives such as the Intern Social Committee

Check out our COMPENSATION & BENEFITS overview to see what we have to offer!

If you are interested in this exciting student work term opportunity, please include your resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts as part of your online application.

All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. This posting will close once a successful candidate has been selected.

Canadian Natural operates one of the largest Campus Recruitment programs in the country, hiring over 400 students every year. Students hired on with us are made to feel a part of the team, gaining high level experience, knowledge, and training that introduces and prepares them for full-time employment. 

We are proud to share that Canadian Natural has been ranked as a Top Employer for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Canada's Future Workforce and also one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026.

Industry Leader: We commenced business in 1989 with a handful of employees and modest production, but today we employ more than 10,000 people and produce over 1 million BOE/d. 

Community Investment: Social responsibility is a critical element of our commitment to responsible operations and part of our success and pride as a Company. We are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, creating shared value along the way.

Compensation and Benefits: We strive to share Company success with all employees through a comprehensive total compensation package.

Our People, Our Stories: Our stories demonstrate the strong culture that exists at Canadian Natural - one that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.

Check out some of our Student Testimonials!