Chemical Engineering Internship
Boost your chances before you apply.
Big West Oil
North Salt Lake, UT, US
Summary
The intern will support engineering teams with data collection, performance monitoring, and root cause analysis across various refinery disciplines. They will also contribute to projects focused on safety, energy efficiency, and unit optimization while preparing a final presentation on their contributions.
Job Description
Location: Big West Oil – North Salt Lake, Utah
Job Type: Internship (Full-Time, On-Site)
Internship Term: Summer 2026 (May – August)
Summary:
Ready to build a strong foundation for your career? Big West Oil's summer internship program provides full-time students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop real-world skills. From May to August, you'll work alongside seasoned professionals who will mentor you, providing the guidance and practical training you need to become an effective, well-rounded professional.
Position Overview:
Big West Oil is seeking applicants to join our Summer 2026 Internship Program. This internship offers the opportunity to work on value-added engineering projects that support continuous improvement, operational reliability, and process safety across our facility. The intern may work in one or more of the following engineering disciplines:
- Process Engineering - Focuses on optimizing the day-to-day operation of chemical process units to maximize production, improve efficiency, and ensure product quality.
- Process Controls Engineering- Involves designing, implementing, and day-to-day management of automated systems that use sensors and control loops to manage the stability and performance of plant operations in real-time.
- Process Safety Engineering- Using engineering principles to prevent and control catastrophic incidents like fires, explosions, and toxic releases in industrial facilities, using the 14 elements of PSM
- Economics and Planning- Forecasting market demands, analyzing process profitability, and optimizing long-term production plans to maximize the refinery's financial performance.
As an intern, you’ll collaborate with experienced engineers, gain exposure to real-world refining operations, and contribute to projects that enhance refinery performance and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support engineering teams with data collection, performance monitoring, and root cause analysis.
- Contribute to projects focused on improving safety, energy efficiency, and unit optimization.
- Assist in updating and reviewing PFDs, P&IDs, and control logic diagrams.
- Participate in unit troubleshooting, safety reviews, and economic evaluations.
- Prepare and deliver a final presentation summarizing your internship experience and project contributions.
- Follow all safety procedures and participate in safety meetings and audits.
Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (Junior or Senior standing preferred, all others welcome).
- Strong academic background in core engineering principles and problem-solving.
- Interest in refining, process systems, or energy-related industries.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently.
What You'll Gain:
- Hands-on experience in a dynamic, real-world refinery environment.
- Exposure to refinery operations, project engineering, and technical analysis.
- Mentorship from experienced engineers and professionals.
- Networking opportunities with our sister companies.
- Development of technical, professional, and leadership skills.
- A deep understanding of how engineering supports safe and efficient fuel production.
About Big West Oil LLC.:
Owned and operated by FJ Management, Big West Oil believes employees are the key to success. The facility currently employs about 270 people, with an average employee tenure of 12 years. Employees at Big West Oil LLC take pride in creating lasting value. Big West Oil is one of five Utah refineries that produce gasoline, diesel, and other chemicals. We take pride in being industry leaders in environmental compliance, and we are passionate about fostering a family-oriented culture that supports employee fulfillment and career growth.
Located in North Salt Lake City, Utah, is a complex high-conversion refinery operated by Big West Oil LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of FJ Management Inc. The facility employs about 250 people and supplies fuel products to many select customers in seven western states. This sophisticated facility has a total capacity of 35,000 barrels per day (over one million gallons) and refines a combination of Utah, Wyoming, and Canadian crude oils into high-quality motor fuels and other specialty chemicals. Big West Oil products meet or exceed government standards for clean transportation fuels and customer needs for engine performance and cold flow qualities.
Big West Oil LLC is also responsible for the purchasing and transportation of crude oil in parts of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. With current processing activities, the North Salt Lake refinery is well prepared to provide qualified clean fuel products to Big West Oil LLC and Flying J customers in the time frames required by the clean fuels regulations.
Founded
1948
Company size
201-500 employees
Industry
Oil and Gas
Org type
Privately Held
Headquarters
North Salt Lake, Utah
Located in North Salt Lake City, Utah, is a complex high-conversion refinery operated by Big West Oil LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of FJ Management Inc. The facility employs about 250 people and supplies fuel products to many select customers in seven western states. This sophisticated facility has a total capacity of 35,000 barrels per day (over one million gallons) and refines a combination of Utah, Wyoming, and Canadian crude oils into high-quality motor fuels and other specialty chemicals. Big West Oil products meet or exceed government standards for clean transportation fuels and customer needs for engine performance and cold flow qualities.
Big West Oil LLC is also responsible for the purchasing and transportation of crude oil in parts of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. With current processing activities, the North Salt Lake refinery is well prepared to provide qualified clean fuel products to Big West Oil LLC and Flying J customers in the time frames required by the clean fuels regulations.
Founded
1948
Company size
201-500 employees
Industry
Oil and Gas
Org type
Privately Held
Headquarters
North Salt Lake, Utah