Chemical Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company in East Chicago, IN is seeking a Chemical Engineering Intern to provide technical support for plant operations, equipment reliability, mechanical integrity, and small capital projects. This position will lead and coordinate projects from initial scope through completion in accordance with Clean Harbors engineering standards. The role will also be responsible for maintaining and improving the mechanical integrity of plant equipment and providing hands-on technical support for equipment troubleshooting, failure analysis, and corrective actions.

This internship is an in-person opportunity based at our East Chicago, IN facility and is not eligible for remote work. Interns will work alongside experienced professionals, gain exposure to our industry, and develop practical skills that support their academic and early career goals.

Start dates for our Summer 2027 Internship Program are May 17th or May 24th of 2027. Internships will run through the summer and end in August.

Why Intern with Safety Kleen and Clean Harbors?

• Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
• Competitive wages
• Clean Harbors offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working alongside professionals who are leading the way in environmental, energy, and industrial services.

Our internship program is designed to provide:

• Engagement with teams, mentors, and leaders across the organization;

• Experience through meaningful projects that support real business priorities;

• Education about the environmental services industry and Clean Harbors’ operations;

• Exposure to different career paths across our lines of business.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times;

• Coordinate with operations to create and update CAD drawings and P&IDs for the Mechanical Integrity program
• Provide technical services for the development of process instructions
• Coordinate with internal technical groups to identify and implement best practices
• Design or redesign piping, develop prototypes and produce the associated technical documents
• Support continuous improvement programs through existing processes
• Attend daily 8:15am meetings and monthly program meetings
• Work alongside experienced engineers on various facility projects
• Other duties as assigned

What does it take to intern with Safety Kleen Systems?

• Current enrollment as a Junior or Senior in an accredited Bachelor's Degree program in Chemical Engineering
• Coursework in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, process design, and thermodynamics
• Experience with chemical process flow diagrams and process simulation software preferred
• Experience with CAD type software required
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word)
• Must be able to quickly grasp an understanding of equipment used at the site, including process instrumentation, piping, valves, pumps, and materials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with all levels of the organization
• Strong problem-solving abilities and curiosity to learn
• Ability to work in both office and field environments
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs, work at heights, climb ladders, stoop, bend, stand for long periods and be exposed to various weather conditions
• Valid Driver's License required
• Must live within commutable distance of East Chicago, IN

Want to learn more about starting your career with Clean Harbors?

As a Clean Harbors intern, you will gain hands-on experience working alongside field teams and operational leaders who support environmental and industrial services across North America. Your day may include time at a facility or project site, participating in safety briefings, observing operational processes, and learning how teams safely manage environmental services and hazardous materials.

Interns may also assist with project coordination, review operational data, and support team initiatives that help keep operations running safely and efficiently. Throughout the internship, you will gain practical exposure to the people, processes, and safety culture that drive Clean Harbors’ work in the field.

About Safety Kleen Systems

Safety-Kleen Systems, a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.

Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.™

About Clean Harbors

40-years of sustainability in action. At Clean Harbors, our mission is to create a safer, cleaner environment through the treatment, recycling, and disposal of hazardous materials. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy, and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

Everywhere industry meets environment, Clean Harbors is on-site, providing premier environmental, energy, and industrial services. We are solving tough problems through innovation and proven methodology. Come be part of the solution with us.

Join our safety-focused team today! To learn more about our company and apply for this opportunity, visit: https://careers.cleanharbors.com/intern-co-op-programs 

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com  or 1-844-922-5547.

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

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