Mining Engineer Co-op May 2027 - Multiple Locations
Join Cargill's global team of 155,000 employees who use new technologies, dynamic insights, and over 154 years of experience to connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive.
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. This role provides exposure to both the people management and technical components of the mining industry, preparing you for a full-time engineering career.
The co-op is designed to expose you to the technical and management aspects of engineering while helping you develop long-term career aspirations. You will gain experience in Operations Leadership and/or Maintenance & Reliability Engineering, with potential career paths including:
- Mining Engineers: Work underground and on surface supporting active projects, infrastructure, and crews. Learn mining techniques such as surveying and mapping, room and pillar mining operations, mineral processing, water management, materials handling, and mining safety best practices. Collaborate with teams on engineering projects and champion your own initiatives.
- Electrical Engineers: Gain exposure to high-voltage power infrastructure and control systems in a mining environment. Learn to safely operate and automate equipment, maintain electrical reliability, and implement best practices for electric-powered mining equipment, hoisting systems, pumps, conveyor belts, and other systems.
- Production Management Engineers: Lead people, processes, and production in a mining environment. Supervise operators, participate in production management meetings, and ensure compliance with MSHA federal regulations. Develop skills in team leadership, process optimization, equipment reliability, and capital project management.
- Process/Project Engineering: Develop business cases, manage budgets, and oversee vendor selection and project execution for major improvements. Focus on process optimization, safety, quality, infrastructure, and energy use. Engage in innovation processes, reliability-centered design, and global technical initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Lead or support production, maintenance, or technical operations teams in an underground mining environment.
- Participate in daily production management meetings and supervise operators and production activities.
- Learn and apply mining techniques, safety best practices, and federal compliance programs (e.g., MSHA, environmental, health, and safety regulations).
- Work on engineering projects, including designing, upgrading systems, and updating plant drawings.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on process optimization, equipment reliability, and capital projects.
- Engage in hands-on physical activities, including occasional lifting of objects over 50 pounds and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds, as well as working in conditions involving heat, cold, and salt dust.
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 a student visa or a visa sponsored by a third-party employer.
- Able to complete a 7–8-month co-op from May to December 2027.
- Geographically flexible and willing to relocate to either Cleveland, OH or Lansing, NY for the co-op.
- Must be able to work in an underground environment.
- Proven ability to work optimally with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- High degree of initiative and resourcefulness in completing work with limited guidance.
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 GPA of 2.7 or higher.
- Ability to relate technical knowledge to job-related duties.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and independent decision-making ability.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Leadership experience.
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.
- Development opportunities, networking events, and exposure to leadership.
- Comprehensive learning resources and support from mentors, colleagues, and supervisors.
- Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to embrace diversity and foster an inclusive culture.
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 May to December 2027. Co-ops are paid hourly for time worked and are responsible for their own transportation to and from work.