Electrical Engineering Co-op - Career Growth Path

Electrical Engineering Co-op – Extended Industry Experience & Career Growth

Location: Birmingham, AL (McCalla)
Type: Full-Time Co-op (Semester or Multi-Semester)
Compensation: $30/hour + $500/month housing stipend (for out-of-town students)

Who We Are

Coalmont Engineering is a multi-disciplined Electrical & Mechanical Engineering firm specializing in industrial automation and power distribution systems. We work with some of the most respected companies in heavy industry—steel, paper, mining, automotive, nuclear, and more—to solve complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions.

Our Birmingham-area facility (McCalla, AL) offers a range of lifestyle options, from vibrant city living to quiet rural settings, all with a short, low-traffic commute. Our culture emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth, making this an excellent place for students looking to take a deeper dive into real-world engineering.

Why Join as a Co-op?

A Co-op experience at Coalmont offers longer-term immersion than a summer internship. You’ll become an integrated member of our engineering team, working on projects from initial design through testing, implementation, and commissioning. This isn’t busywork—you’ll be trusted with meaningful responsibilities that directly impact our clients.

As a Co-op Engineer, you’ll:

• Gain sustained, hands-on experience across multiple phases of industrial projects.
• Develop stronger technical expertise in CAD, programming, testing, and commissioning.
• Take on more project ownership than a traditional internship.
• Build long-term mentoring relationships with senior engineers.
• Position yourself as a top candidate for full-time opportunities after graduation.

What You’ll Do

Your Co-op Experience Will Include:

• Designing electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Assisting with control panel design and industrial automation solutions.
• Supporting procurement, scheduling, and project coordination.
• Participating in field activities, including troubleshooting, commissioning, and quality assurance.
• Contributing to power system studies, system upgrades, and modernization efforts.

What You’ll Gain:

• Extended real-world experience with industrial-scale engineering projects.
• Exposure to multiple project lifecycles—not just a single phase.
• Mentorship and professional growth in a collaborative, team-driven environment.
• A strong technical foundation to launch your career after graduation.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a B.S. in Electrical Engineering (or related field).
• Strong curiosity and eagerness to learn through hands-on work.
• Reliability, initiative, and ability to manage time effectively.
• Interest in working on projects with both technical and field-based components.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Preferred (not required):

• Familiarity with AutoCAD or other CAD software.
• Coursework or experience with PLC programming or object-oriented coding.
• Exposure to electrical testing or industrial installation practices.
• Examples of leadership, teamwork, or technical project involvement.

Benefits & Perks

• $30/hour competitive pay.
• $500/month housing stipend for students relocating to Birmingham.
• Paid holidays (if scheduled during your term).
• Mentorship and training from experienced engineers.
• Long-term project involvement and deeper technical development.
• Potential for a return offer as a full-time engineer after graduation.

The Work You’ll Impact

As a Co-op, you’ll engage with industrial projects such as:

• Industrial control systems and automation.
• Variable speed drive systems and motor applications.
• Electrical system design, commissioning, and modernization.
• Industrial communication networks and system integration.
• Onsite troubleshooting and system optimization.

Your extended involvement will give you a comprehensive understanding of how engineering projects move from concept to completion, preparing you for success in your career.

Ready to take your engineering education to the next level?
Apply today to join Coalmont Engineering’s Co-op program and gain the depth of experience that will set you apart after graduation.