Internship Particle Accelerator Jobs in Chicago, IL

The expected hiring range for this position is:
$21.26-$25.93.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
The future is frozen: Cryogenics is revolutionizing particle accelerators and detectors, quantum computers, fusion reactors, self-landing rockets, hydrogen, liquified natural gas and more!
The Applied Physics & Technology Directorate (APS-TD) conducts highly innovative research and development programs in superconducting magnets and superconducting radio frequency cavities for next generation accelerators and detectors to advance Fermilab's scientific mission. We also educate and train the next generation of physicists and engineers.
We are seeking a Cryogenic Engineering Cooperative Education Student to support cryogenic projects and test areas within the APS-TD Cryogenics Division. Under the direction of an expert mechanical engineer, project tasks may include cryogenic component design, in-house or vendor oversight of fabrication, component installation, system commissioning, and operations. Mechanical engineering tasks may include mechanical stress analysis, heat transfer calculations, fluid flow calculations, 3-D modeling and drawing layouts, checking calculations, manipulating and analyzing data, and writing reports.
We Are Looking For:

• Mechanical Engineering student enrolled in an accredited mechanical engineering Bachelor's program at a U.S. University
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Preferably the student will have completed their sophomore year of study in Mechanical Engineering. Consideration will be given to students who have completed their first year and have demonstrated strong skill in mathematics and basic engineering sciences.
• Successful completion of cryogenics and/or thermal-fluids courses is preferred.
• Familiarity with reading mechanical drawings and process flow schematics.
• Experience with computer usage for performing engineering analysis, writing reports and crafting presentations.
• Abide by all environment, safety, and health regulations.

Required and Preferred Number of Rotations:

• Students on a semester-based academic calendar are required to work a minimum of 2, preferably 3, alternating semesters;
• Students on a quarter-based academic calendar are required to work a minimum of 3, preferably 4, alternating quarters

Application Requirements:
Interested candidates should submit:

• Current Resume
• Official or unofficial transcript (upload under the resume section)
• Recommended: Cover Letter
• Proposed Cooperative Education schedule (required at time of application submission; available below)
• Quarterly: Fermilab-Cooperative-Education-Program-Worksheet-Quarter.pdf (fnal.gov) (upload under the resume section)
• Semester: Fermilab-Cooperative-Education-Program-Worksheet-Semester.pdf (fnal.gov) (upload under the resume section)

Co-Op Details:

• Application Dates: May 20, 2026 - October 14, 2026
• Co-Op Program Period: Spring 2027

For more information, please see the Undergraduate Co-Op Program webpage: https://internships.fnal.gov/undergraduate-cooperative-education-program/
If you have any questions, please email internships@fnal.gov.
Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.
Pre-Employment Screening:
Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening
Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
HSPD-12
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
Foreign Government Sponsored Activities
Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.
REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.