Engineering Co-op Student (Operations)

Why SRC?

With more than 400 employees, $83 million in annual revenue and nearly 80 years of RD&D experience, the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is Canada’s second largest research and technology organization with 1,400 clients in 16 countries around the world. We help clients from across the world solve technology problems, make improvements, seize opportunities, maintain competitiveness, increase productivity, and develop new markets.

SRC’s Rare Earth Processing Facility (REPF) is the first of its kind in Canada, laying the foundation for a REE supply chain in Saskatchewan and forming an industry model for future commercial REE resource expansion in the province. To learn more, visit www.src.sk.ca.

Overview

SRC’s Rare Earth Element Division is seeking an Engineering Co-op Student to help support the operations for SRC’s Rare Earth Processing Facility. This position is a 16-month term, starting in May 2027.

Accountabilities

• Assist the process engineering team with commissioning and start-up activities in the REPF
• Work with the operations and commissioning teams to diagnose upset or performance issues in the REPF
• Help develop the metallurgical accounting processes for the REPF
• Redline P&ID drawings for as-built conditions of the REPF
• Initiate Management of Change projects to improve safety, throughout, or quality in the REPF
• Build KPI dashboards and plant data reporting and visualization of REPF process data
• Spend a period of time on shift with the operators to better understand the day-to-day operation of the REPF

Qualifications

• A third or fourth year chemical, process, or computer engineering student enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan Engineering Co-operative Internship Program

Skills

• Strong understanding of best practices for quality work and workplace safety
• Team player with effective interpersonal, communication, multitasking and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to learn and stay flexible as daily job tasks may vary
• Ability to self-motivate, follow detailed instructions and carry out tasks with minimal supervision
• Organizational skills and attention to detail

The chosen candidate will be required to provide an original Criminal Record Check that is satisfactory to SRC prior to the commencement of any employment duties. The Criminal Record Check must have been executed within the preceding 30 days of receipt.

This position is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Deadline to apply is November 30, 2026.

Note: Applicants are also required to apply on Career Link as per the Co-op program requirements.

Please indicate on your application where you heard about the position as SRC works with several partners to support an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds. Our goal is to engage and empower all people so they can successfully achieve their professional goals.

As SRC strives to build a representative workforce, applications are encouraged from persons of Indigenous ancestry.

Hear from our Past Students

As a working student, my internship experience at SRC has been incredibly valuable, providing me with hands-on exposure to real engineering projects and industry practices. One of the aspects I have enjoyed most is the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and contribute to meaningful work that has strengthened both my technical and problem-solving skills. Throughout my placement, I have been able to apply concepts learned in my electrical engineering courses to real-world challenges while also gaining practical knowledge that cannot be learned in a classroom. This experience has increased my confidence as an engineer, and reinforced my enthusiasm for pursuing a career in engineering.

-Mustafa Emara, Electrical Engineering Co-op Student

I'm currently a Chemical Engineering student and I've worked in both the Mineral Processing and Rare Earth Elements departments. My experience at SRC as a student assistant has been incredibly valuable, from working in bench scale lab projects and pilot plants to commissioning a brand new plant. While in school, it was hard to imagine what the processing equipment even looked like, all I knew was the math behind it. Now, I can say I've actually worked with the equipment including testing it, designing procedures for it, and troubling shooting it as well. Between both departments and others I've met throughout my time at SRC I can say for certain it is a warm and welcoming work environment. Overall, my Co-Op at SRC has been a great opportunity to grow, contribute, and gain experience that I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

-Mackenzie Wallace, Chemical Engineering Co-op Student