Mechanical Engineering Co-op - Spring 2027

Mechanical Engineering Co-op

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary: The Engineering Co-op will assist project engineers on the development of engineering deliverables such as drawings, equipment specifications, mechanical systems, budget estimation, and any other tasks necessary for the project engineers to complete their work. The Co-op will be involved in all aspects of project development completing tasks independently but under the close supervision of senior engineering staff. The Co-op will be exposed to a variety of mechanical utilities such as compressed air, cooling water, steam, and HVAC systems in an industrial environment.

Responsibilities:

• Project Support: Assist our engineering teams in various phases of project development, from concept design to implementation and testing. Ensure project team members create deliverables that meet or exceed the customer’s expectations and standards. Own issues and drive them to resolution with internal and external customers.
• Collaboration: Complete well defined tasks independently while still working closely with senior engineering staff to clarify questions and uncertainty in the process. Build and maintain healthy, long term, professional relationships with coworkers, customers, suppliers, and industry partners. Maintain excellent composure, especially under pressure.
• Documentation: Requires effective documentation and communication of calculations and engineering decisions for review by senior engineering staff.
• Communication: Communicate effectively in person and in writing to define needs and provide records of work complete.
• Innovation: Foster an environment where new ideas are discussed and developed collaboratively. Providing a fresh perspective through a desire to understand the “why” instead of just the “how”.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Educational Background: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience: Past co-op experience a plus, but not required. Completed coursework in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and mechanical systems desired.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using engineering tools and software such as:
  • CAD Software (Revit, AutoCAD, Inventor, Solidworks, etc).
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word and Excel.
  • A passion for understanding how a collection of components work together as a system
• Adaptability: Flexibility and willingness to work on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to drive projects forward.

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Travel: Up to 25%

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation will be on an hourly basis and dependent on experience level.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.

Experience

Required

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Preferred

• Past co-op experience a plus, but not required. Completed coursework in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and mechanical systems desired.

Education

Preferred

• Masters or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.