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Intern Oil Refinery Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

$25.50/hr

... Safety Intern. This position will offer students the opportunity to build upon the knowledge ... We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining ...

$27.30/hr

We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining, offering a broad portfolio of plant-based oils, fats, and proteins. We work alongside our customers ...

$36K - $45K/yr

EHS Intern: CAN Openings * Operations Engineering Trainee: * Operations Engineering Intern/Co-op ... We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining ...

Intern Oil Refinery information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do intern oil refinery jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern oil refinery in Indiana is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an intern do at an oil refinery?

An intern at an oil refinery typically assists engineers and technicians with various projects related to refining operations, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance. Responsibilities may include collecting and analyzing samples, monitoring processes, updating documentation, and supporting daily operations. Interns gain hands-on experience in the industry, learn about refinery processes, and may participate in safety training and meetings. The role provides valuable exposure to the technical and operational aspects of oil refining and can be a stepping stone to a full-time career in the energy sector.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern at an oil refinery?

To thrive as an Intern in an Oil Refinery, you generally need a background in chemical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering, and a solid grasp of safety regulations and basic refinery processes. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen HYSYS), data analysis platforms, and Microsoft Office is often expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and communication skills help interns adapt quickly and contribute effectively. These competencies are crucial for learning refinery operations safely, supporting project teams, and laying the foundation for a successful engineering career in the energy sector.

What types of projects or tasks can an intern expect to work on at an oil refinery?

As an intern at an oil refinery, you will typically be involved in a variety of hands-on and observational projects. Common tasks include assisting with routine maintenance checks, collecting and analyzing sample data, supporting process optimization initiatives, and participating in safety and compliance audits. You may also collaborate with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot equipment or improve operational efficiency. This exposure provides valuable insight into refinery operations and helps you build both technical and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between Intern Oil Refinery vs Intern Petroleum Engineer?

AspectIntern Oil RefineryIntern Petroleum Engineer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college coursework in related fieldLikely pursuing a degree in petroleum engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentRefinery facilities, plant floors, safety zonesOffice settings, field sites, exploration areas
Industry UsageHands-on plant operations, safety proceduresDesign, analysis, and project planning in oil and gas extraction

Intern Oil Refinery roles focus on supporting refinery operations, safety, and maintenance within the plant environment. Intern Petroleum Engineer positions are more geared toward engineering analysis, project design, and exploration activities. Both roles provide valuable industry experience but differ in focus and work setting.

Is it hard to get a job at an oil refinery?

Securing an intern position at an oil refinery can be competitive due to the industry’s specialized skills and safety requirements. Candidates often need relevant coursework, technical skills, and sometimes certifications, with opportunities available through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level programs. Strong safety awareness and technical aptitude improve chances of employment in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Refinery jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Oil Refinery jobs in Indiana are:

Summer Internship - Mechanical Engineering - Sophomore -Whiting, IN

bp

Whiting, IN • On-site

$6.5K - $7.8K/mo

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


BP rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 192 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Job Family Group:
Business Support Group
Job Description:
Mechanical Summer Internship - Sophomore - Whiting, IN
About bp
As a leading global energy company with a presence in 61 countries, bp's purpose is to deliver energy to the world, today and tomorrow. We are one of only a few companies that can deliver energy - at scale - to countries and millions of customers every day. With more than 100 years of experience, we bring together technology, innovation and deep expertise that keeps communities moving - and we're still evolving.
Our internships
Make an impact on cutting-edge projects. Help find solutions to complex challenges. Be part of a company that invests in you and your growth. You can do it all as an intern at bp. Our 12-week summer programme gives you the opportunity to build your technical knowledge, develop key skills and learn more about life at bp. You'll be part of one team throughout your internship, supported by a dedicated line manager and buddy. There'll be opportunities to connect with other interns, take part in training and grow your network across the business.
About the Role
bp's modernized Whiting refinery is the largest in the Midwest and a critical supplier of fuel in the region. Whiting has been a key anchor of the northwest Indiana economy, as well as the surrounding community.
Taking on the role as Mechanical Engineering Intern/Co-Op means providing technical support for operating units, as well as designing and leading various projects. Alongside a strong technical degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related subject, that means providing solutions on a wide range of engineering problems for major unit maintenance events and working alongside a diverse, multidiscipline team.
As a Mechanical Engineering Intern at the Whiting Refinery, you will:
  • Be a vital part of a multidiscipline team made up of operations, maintenance, environmental, and safety engineering personnel

  • Learn general refinery processes and equipment design, and how to apply engineering fundamentals to solve problems within the plant.

  • Design modifications to fluid flow piping systems, including analyzing stresses and flexibility to ensure safe and reliable operations.

  • Troubleshoot equipment, determine root causes of failures, and develop repair plans or improved designs per industry codes, such as ASME, API, ANSI, and ASTM.

  • Perform engineering analyses to provide evidence for financial and business decisions.

  • Make our processes more cost effective, efficient, and technologically competitive.

Why Join us?
Successful interns will be considered for a full-time role within our One Engineering Program upon earning their degree. The One Engineering Program at bp is a development program for Early career discipline engineers, in which they will build their experience through challenging development assignments, develop a toolkit of transferable skills for the future, and have a dedicated network of support to help them succeed.
Benefits
  • Retirement savings opportunities

  • bp-provided corporate housing with furnished apartments

  • Relocation assistance (if eligible)

  • Competitive pay

  • We pay interns and co-ops a set non-negotiable monthly rate based on your degree major, degree level and year of graduation. For this role, monthly salaries range from $6563 to $7875 monthly).

*Please note the pay range listed for this position is good faith and reasonable estimate of the base pay for this position at the time of posting.
Minimum Requirements for the internship:
  • Working toward a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

  • Graduating between December 2028 and May 2029

  • Current Cumulative GPA Minimum 3.0

  • Eligible to work in the U.S. with no restrictions (bp will not support U.S. Immigration sponsorship for full-time or long-term employment)

  • Must be available to start 12-week internship on May 17, 2027, or June 14, 2027 (will be required to pass all background and medical checks at least one week prior to start date)

Located on the Lake Michigan shoreline in northwest Indiana, not only is Whiting the largest refinery in the Midwest - it also makes enormous contributions to the region's transportation network. The Whiting refinery can process around 440,000 barrels of crude oil every day. Every day the refinery produces around 10 million gallons of gasoline, 4 million gallons of diesel and 2 million gallons of jet fuel. bp's Whiting refinery can produce enough gasoline each day to support the average daily travel of more than 7 million cars. With more than 130 years of operations, bp's Whiting refinery team is looking to the future by making strides to improve the facility's efficiency and help reduce its emissions.
Legal Disclaimer
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on protected characteristics like race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp's recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us. If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.
Travel Requirement:
Negligible travel should be expected with this role
Relocation Assistance:
This role is eligible for relocation within country
Remote Type:
This position is a hybrid of office/remote working
Skills:
Adaptability, Authenticity, Collaboration, Communication, Continuous Learning, Courage, Creativity and Innovation, Curiosity, Decision Making, Digital Fluency, Ethical judgement, Excellence, Influencing, Knowledge Sharing, Listening, Managing volatility, Problem Solving, Resilience, Self-Awareness, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management, Understanding Emotions, Writing skills
Legal Disclaimer:
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp's recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.
If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.

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