Undergraduate Cooperative Education Program

Our Cooperative Education Program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists and engineers. The program supports a theory/practice model of learning in which students apply what they are learning at their home institutions to cutting-edge experiments and projects vital to our laboratory’s scientific mission.

We encourage applications from students majoring in:

  • Physics
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Electrical and electronic engineering
  • Computer science and Engineering
  • Environment, safety and health
  • Finance and accounting
  • Project management
  • Human resources
  • Communications

Academic standing as a sophomore is required to participate in Fermilab’s Cooperative Education Program (Co-Op Program). Students typically work a minimum of three semesters or four quarters at Fermilab, alternating periods of full-time study at their institution with full-time employment at the laboratory.

Registration in an approved college or university cooperative education program and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.

Salaries are competitive and are based on the student’s academic year standing.

Relocation, housing and local transportation costs and arrangements are the student’s responsibility. Informational materials can be provided for the student housing search.

Eligibility requirements

  • Full-time undergraduate enrollment in a 4-year program of study at a U.S. college or university for the duration of appointment
  • Registration in institution’s cooperative education program
  • Academic standing as a sophomore; 18 years of age at time of appointment
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Commitment to completing a minimum of three semesters or four quarters at Fermilab, alternating periods of full-time study with full-time employment at Fermilab
  • Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of appointment
  • Satisfactory performance of assigned duties and responsibilities and adherence to lab policies and procedures while employed at Fermilab as a Cooperative Education Program participant

Benefits and perks

  • Competitive rate of pay; paid overtime; paid holidays
  • Work/school schedule flexibility  (not eligible for Flexible Work Program)
  • Networking and research collaborations with top scientists or engineers and other students
  • Opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars, brown-bag lunches, social activities and symposia
  • Speaker forums and campus tours
  • On-site credit union, gym, recreational leagues
  • Discount tickets for local attractions

Assistance with:

  • Identifying housing
  • Identifying transportation (Car rental / Public transportation)
  • Locating nearby restaurants / big-box stores

Application instructions

  • Go to Undergraduate Cooperative Education Program | Internships (fnal.gov) to review the open application information.
  • Go to http://fermilab.jobs or use the “Apply” button on the above page.
  • Review the postings for available “Cooperative Education Student” opportunities
  • Select “Apply Online” within the job announcement
  • If no “Cooperative Education Student” opportunities are posted, register a “Job Agent” and you will receive immediate notification as new “Cooperative Education Student” openings are posted

An official or unofficial academic transcript and proposed cooperative education schedule are required at the time of application submission.

Fermilab Cooperative Education Program Worksheet – Quarter

Fermilab Cooperative Education Program Worksheet – Semester

Questions?  Contact Sandra Charles, Chief EDI Officer