Mechanical Engineering Co-op Student

Location: Victoria – 905 Ellery, Canada

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow’s possible.

Mechanical Engineering Co-op Student (8-16 months)

Victoria, BC & Halifax, NS (Hybrid – Office/Ship) Full-time

Position Summary

We have a current vacancy for Mechanical Engineering Co-op Students to join our Team in Victoria, BC & Halifax, NS. Thales Canada is seeking a motivated Engineering student for an 8 to 16-month internship/coop (starting May 2026) with the AOPS and JSS In-Service Support (AJISS) program. As Mechanical Engineering Coop Student, you will support critical engineering activities for Royal Canadian Navy vessels while gaining valuable experience in marine and mechanical engineering and regulatory compliance. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop professional skills on one of Canada’s premier defense projects while working alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists.

Working under the supervision of experienced engineers and technical specialists, the student will contribute to defect management, certification assurance, onboard surveys, and the continuous improvement of engineering processes and documentation. This role provides practical exposure to naval sustainment operations, real-world regulatory frameworks, and cross-discipline engineering collaboration within a complex in-service support environment.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions of this role including but not limited to:
• Technical Investigation Support: Assist engineers in analyzing defects, compiling technical information, and supporting progress toward resolution, including specification writing.
• Technical Data & Documentation: Help organize, validate, and improve the accuracy and usability of technical documentation and TDP information.
• Onboard Survey Assistance: Support the collection and organization of observations and data during onboard or documentation investigations.
• Engineering Change / Deviation Support: Contribute in the preparation and coordination of
documentation required for Engineering Changes, Deviations, and Waivers.
• Enterprise Systems & Digital Tools: Use approved systems to maintain accurate, timely, and traceable records of engineering and maintenance activities.
• OEM & Stakeholder Coordination: Assist with gathering and relaying technical information between Thales teams, ship staff, and external partners.
• Certification Awareness: Support visibility of certification requirements by helping prepare records and reconcile documentation with vessel status.
• Service Delivery Support: Provide coordination assistance to ensure engineering information is
available for work execution.
• Professional Development: Develop knowledge of naval sustainment practices while working under the guidance of experienced engineers.

Minimum Requirements

Education:
• 3rd or 4th year Mechanical or Marine Engineering Student, enrolled in a Bachelor of
Engineering Program in a Canadian University.

Language:

• English (Essential)

Preferred Qualifications

Skills and Abilities:
• Prior experience with the preparation of technical reports.
• Jira experience is an asset.
• Drafting/AutoCad experience is an asset.
Experience:
• Completion of HVAC courses or equivalent experience highly preferred.
• Previous Marine experience is preferred.
• Experience in ship design, build, operation and maintenance preferred.

Physical Demands

• Mix of office work and work in dockyards and onboard Naval Ships;
• Will be required to undertake inspections in machinery spaces of Naval ships involving bending and twisting.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between Total Target Cash (TTC) 55,000.00 – 65,000.00 CAD Annual.

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee’s career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company’s annual salary budget, the customer’s program requirements, and the company’s internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.

We use artificial intelligence–enabled tools as part of our recruitment process to support activities such as candidate discovery, résumé matching, and interview scheduling. These tools may help screen and assess applications and recommend potential matches based on the requirements within the job description.  All hiring decisions, including candidate evaluation, selection, and disposition, are made by human recruiters. Artificial intelligence does not make hiring decisions on our behalf.

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following: 

• Company paid Extended Health, Dental, HSA, Life, AD&D, Short-term Disability, Cancer Care Program, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.

• Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.

• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave. 

• Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability.

• Employee Discounts on home, auto, and gym membership.

Thales is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Thales is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the interview process. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for an interview. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose of providing an accessible candidate experience.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access including eligibility to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance.