Beam Instrumentation Software Engineering Co-op Position

Beam Instrumentation Software Engineering Co‑op Position

Join Fermilab as a co‑op student in the Accelerator Directorate’s Instrumentation Department, gaining hands‑on experience in software engineering for beam diagnostic systems.

The expected hiring range for this position is $21.26–$27.49 per hour. Pay offered will be determined based on scope, responsibilities, qualifications, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This student position offers an opportunity to work under mentorship of seasoned engineers, contributing to the development and maintenance of beam diagnostic systems for particle accelerators.

• 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 accelerator complex upgrades, PIP‑II, and LBNF (DUNE).
• Participate in all stages of the software development lifecycle: 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.

• Full‑time undergraduate in a 4‑year program at a U.S. college or university.
• Registered in the academic institution’s cooperative education program.
• At least a sophomore academic standing.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Proof of active health insurance coverage.
• Commitment to completing at least three semesters or four quarters of work at Fermilab, with alternating periods of full‑time study.
• 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.

• Hands‑on experience at a world‑renowned research institution.
• Contribution to groundbreaking particle physics projects.
• Direct mentorship from experienced engineers and researchers.
• Development of practical software engineering and problem‑solving skills.
• Networking opportunities within the field.

• Online application
• Unofficial transcript
• Proposed Cooperative Education Schedule, with a preferable start date in Summer 2026
• Quarterly worksheet: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-
• Semester worksheet: -

Application Period:
January 7 – February 4 2026

Program

Start Date:

June 1

Offer Date:
March 16 2026

Acceptance Deadline:
March 23 2026

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.

Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL‑ equivalent to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of  be found here:  If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

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.

We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications align with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will reach 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, Linked In, or our About Us page.

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 around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.