Beam Instrumentation Software Engineering Co-op Position

The expected hiring range for this position is:

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.

About the Role:
This Co-op Student position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in software engineering within the Accelerator Directorate’s Instrumentation Department at Fermilab. Under the mentorship of seasoned engineers, you will contribute to developing and maintaining beam diagnostic systems for particle accelerators.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Contribute to software projects supporting data acquisition of Fermilab’s beam diagnostic systems into the accelerator Control system.
•    Collaborate with engineers on mission-critical projects, including the accelerator complex upgrades, PIP-II, and LBNF (DUNE).
•    Participate in all stages of the software development lifecycle, including design, coding, testing, and ongoing support.
•    Develop practical skills in software development methodologies and version control systems.
•    Progress from basic tasks to more complex projects, gaining increasing independence and responsibility throughout the program.
 
Requirements:

• Full-time undergraduate program at a U.S. college or university.

• Registered in the academic institution's cooperative education program.

• Commitment to completing at least three semesters or four quarters of work at Fermilab, with alternating periods of full-time study.

• At a rising sophomore or junior academic standing.

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

• 18 years of age or older.

• Proof of active health insurance coverage.

• Strong understanding of Computer Science or Computer Engineering concepts

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and Rust.

• Practical knowledge of Linux operating systems.

• Familiarity with software development methodologies and version control tools (e.g., Agile, Git).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong analytical and technical skills for performing work and analysis.

• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Benefits:
•    Gain hands-on experience at a world-renowned research institution.
•    Contribute to groundbreaking projects in particle physics.
•    Learn directly from experienced engineers and researchers.
•    Develop practical software engineering and problem-solving skills.
•    Build a robust professional network within the field.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit:
•    Online application
•    Unofficial transcript
•    Proposed Cooperative Education Schedule, with a preferable start date in Fall 2025
o    Quarterly: https://internships.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fermilab-Cooperative-Education-Program-Worksheet-Quarter.pdf 
o    Semester: https://internships.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fermilab-Cooperative-Education-Program-Worksheet-Semester.pdf 
 

Co-Op Details:
Application Period: January 7 - February 4, 2026
Program Dates: June 1, 2026
Offer Date: March 16, 2026
Acceptance Date: March 23, 2026
 

Note:
•    This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. Actual responsibilities and requirements may vary.

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.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening  

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

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.

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. 

What To Expect Next:
We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.