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Petroleum Engineering Co Op Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Co-Op

Greenville, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $28.75/hr

Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Office 2026 - Manufacturing Engineering Co-Op When you're part of the team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll do important work, like ...

Engineering Co-op

Dallas, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY Join our dynamic team as an Engineering Co-op! This role is designed for current ... Petroleum) Experience • 1 - 2 years related work experience professional-level experience ...

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Petroleum Engineering Co Op information

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$42K

$80K

$136K

How much do petroleum engineering co op jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for petroleum engineering co op in the United States is $80,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a petroleum engineering co op?

A Petroleum Engineering Co-Op is a structured work experience program for students pursuing a degree in petroleum engineering. It allows students to alternate periods of academic study with periods of paid, professional work in the oil and gas industry. During a co-op, students gain hands-on experience, apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, and develop valuable technical and professional skills. The program often lasts several months and may be required or highly recommended by universities to enhance career prospects after graduation.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a petroleum engineering co op expect during their placement?

As a Petroleum Engineering Co Op, you can typically expect to work on hands-on projects that support ongoing exploration, drilling, and production operations. Responsibilities often include data analysis, assisting with well log interpretation, supporting field operations, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams such as geologists and production engineers. You'll likely split your time between office-based tasks and field visits, providing a well-rounded exposure to both technical and operational aspects of petroleum engineering. This experience is designed to help you develop practical skills, expand your professional network, and gain insight into potential career paths within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a petroleum engineering co op, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Petroleum Engineering Co Op, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and coursework in petroleum or chemical engineering, often supported by enrollment in an accredited engineering program. Familiarity with industry software such as Petrel, Eclipse, or MATLAB, and exposure to drilling or reservoir simulation tools, is highly beneficial. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability help you collaborate with engineers and field staff on dynamic projects. These skills and qualities are essential for applying technical knowledge effectively, ensuring safety, and contributing to successful energy production operations.

What is the difference between Petroleum Engineering Co Op vs Petroleum Engineer?

AspectPetroleum Engineering Co OpPetroleum Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree in petroleum engineering; often requires licensure for independent work
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in oil fields, drilling sites, or office environmentsFull-time professional role, including fieldwork, analysis, and project management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies for student training; part of educational programsFull-time employment in oil and gas companies, consulting firms, or government agencies

In summary, a Petroleum Engineering Co Op is a temporary, educational position for students gaining industry experience, while a Petroleum Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and managing oil extraction processes. The co-op role provides practical exposure, whereas the engineer role involves independent decision-making and project leadership.

More about Petroleum Engineering Co Op jobs

What cities are hiring for Petroleum Engineering Co Op jobs?

Cities with the most Petroleum Engineering Co Op job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Petroleum Engineering jobs?

The most popular types of Petroleum Engineering jobs are:

What states have the most Petroleum Engineering Co Op jobs?

States with the most job openings for Petroleum Engineering Co Op jobs include:

Infographic showing various Petroleum Engineering Co Op job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Electrical Engineering Co Op/Intern - All Mills

pca

Gladstone, VA • On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Internship

Posted 25 days ago


Packaging Corporation Of America rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Electrical Engineering Co Op/Intern

We are seeking resumes for an electrical engineering co-op. This application may lead to three potential job titles depending on mill needs: an electrical reliability engineering co-op, an electrical project engineering co-op, or a process control engineering co-op. The primary responsibilities of each are detailed below.

Electrical Reliability Engineering Co-Op

  • Support electrical reliability assignments that improve mill safety, equipment performance, operational efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
  • Work with reliability engineers, maintenance, operations, and mill personnel to troubleshoot electrical and equipment reliability issues.
  • Apply predictive and preventive maintenance techniques to improve equipment reliability and support root-cause failure analyses.
  • Assist with special reliability projects and additional assignments that support safe, efficient, and reliable mill operations.
  • Additional duties as requested by management.

Electrical Project Engineering Co-Op

  • Support electrical project engineering assignments involving planning, design, installation, commissioning, and startup of mill electrical equipment.
  • Assist with electrical equipment projects, including motors, MCCs, lighting, valves, switches, sensors, cameras, instrumentation, and related systems.
  • Use AutoCAD, P&ID drawings, process information systems, Trident, Microsoft Office, and other company software to update drawings, create new project documentation, and maintain equipment files.
  • Coordinate with project engineers, operations, contractors, maintenance shops, and other disciplines to support safe project execution, installation, and startup.
  • Support project management activities such as scope development, schedule coordination, cost tracking, contractor oversight, and communication with mill personnel.
  • Additional duties as requested by management.

Process Control Engineering Co-Op

  • Support process control engineers, instrument technicians, and mill operations with troubleshooting, advanced process control, DCS, and control system improvement efforts.
  • Use process information systems, Microsoft Office, Trident, AutoCAD, and other company software to update drawings, equipment files, functional specifications, and control documentation.
  • Assist with system audits, loop checks, I/O checkout, startup support, and correction of control system documentation and wiring records during outages or down days.
  • Collect, enter, and analyze process and control systems data to support troubleshooting, reliability, process optimization, and business decision-making.
  • Additional duties as requested by management.

 

Basic Qualifications:

Required:

A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 is required and must be a permanent U.S. resident with a valid driver’s license. Must be majoring in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology or a related field and have completed freshman year or will have completed freshman year at time of co-op or internship. 

Preferred:

Currently a member of the paper foundation at the following schools: Auburn University, Georgia Tech University, University of Maine, Miami University (Ohio), University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, NC State University, SUNY ESF, University of Washington – Seattle, Western Michigan University, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, or currently enrolled at any State University or Technological University in the following states: AL, FL, GA, IL, ID, LA, MI, MN, MS, NC, ND, OH, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI. Students that sign up for interviews during the Career Fairs and On-Campus Interview days at the schools listed will be given first consideration.

Completing this application makes you eligible for consideration at any of PCA’s 10 mill locations as follows:

  • Counce, TN
  • Deridder, LA
  • Filer City, MI
  • International Falls, MN
  • Jackson, AL 
  • Massillon, OH
  • Riverville, VA
  • Tomahawk, WI
  • Valdosta, GA
  • Wallula, WA

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