Mining Engineer Co-op January 2027 - Multiple Locations

About the role

Our Mining Engineering Co-ops work in either Lansing, NY or Cleveland, OH underground salt mine locations as part of our Cargill Specialized Portfolio. You will learn to lead production or maintenance employees, project teams, contractors, or technical operations teams executing critical initiatives and projects in a fast-paced, underground environment. The role provides exposure to both the people management and technical components of the mining industry, helping you develop an interest in long-term career aspirations.

This co-op is designed to prepare you for your career journey, offering real-world experience, learning from industry leaders, and contributing to meaningful projects that impact sustainable development and community safety.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience in Operations Leadership and/or Maintenance & Reliability Engineering.
• Learn mining techniques such as surveying and mapping, room and pillar mining operations, mineral processing, water management, materials handling, and mining safety best practices.
• Work alongside engineers and crews on active underground projects and support surface operations, including infrastructure for road deicing salt production.
• Collaborate with team members on engineering tasks and lead personal projects to improve facilities.
• For Electrical Engineers: Gain exposure to high-voltage power infrastructure, programming, and control systems. Learn to safely operate and automate equipment, maintain electrical reliability, and work with systems like hoisting, pumps, conveyor belts, and screening equipment.
• For Production Management Engineers: Lead people, processes, and production activities. Supervise operators, participate in daily production meetings, and ensure compliance with MSHA federal regulations, including environmental, health, safety, maintenance, and housekeeping standards.
• Develop and manage teams of production employees, including hiring, scheduling, motivating, and handling employee relations.
• Engage in process optimization, equipment reliability, and capital project execution.
• For Process/Project Engineering: Develop business cases, manage vendor selection, budgets, and projects focused on process optimization, safety, quality, infrastructure, and energy use. Participate in innovation processes, idea generation, and reliability-centered design.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mining Engineering (MinE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electrical Engineering (EE), Industrial Engineering (IE), or a related engineering discipline.
• Degree to be completed between December 2027 and May 2030.
• Right to work in the U.S. that is not based solely on possession of a student visa or a visa sponsored by a third-party employer.
• Able to complete a 7–8-month co-op from January to August 2027.
• Geographically flexible and willing to relocate to either Cleveland, OH or Lansing, NY for the co-op.
• Proven ability to work optimally with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Must possess a high degree of initiative and resourcefulness in completing work with limited guidance.
• Must be able to work in an underground environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Sophomores, juniors, or seniors currently enrolled in an accredited engineering program in a relevant field.
• Mining or heavy industrial co-op or intern experience.
• Overall 2.7 GPA preferred.
• Ability to relate technical knowledge to job-related duties.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and make decisions independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Leadership experience.

Skills

• People management and team leadership.
• Technical engineering skills in mining, electrical, mechanical, or industrial disciplines.
• Project management and process optimization.
• Compliance with federal regulations (e.g., MSHA).
• Problem-solving and independent decision-making.
• Strong communication and collaboration.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing program.
• Housing and Relocation Assistance for those who qualify.
• Minnesota-based employees: Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law.
• Access to volunteer and community outreach opportunities, including paid time off for volunteer activities.
• Networking and development events with leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Consistent support from mentors, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to embrace diversity and foster inclusion.

Pay

The expected hourly rate for this position is $25.70 - $35.50 per hour. Compensation decisions are dependent on graduation date and eligibility for full-time employment.

Schedule

Co-ops are typically 7-8 months in duration, running from January to August 2027. Co-ops are paid hourly for time worked and are responsible for their own transportation to and from work.

Work Environment

• Underground mining environment with a team-oriented, fast-paced, and hands-on culture.
• Focus on employee engagement, inclusion, and innovation.
• Physical activity requiring moderate exertion, including bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, and working on irregular surfaces.
• Occasional lifting of objects weighing over 50 pounds and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.
• Exposure to conditions such as heat, cold, and salt dust.

Co-ops who demonstrate outstanding performance and curiosity may be offered an internship, another co-op, or a full-time position for the following year.