Co-Op (Fall Semester 2026 - Spring Semester 2027) - Mechanical Design Engineer

Southland Industries; Dulles Town Center (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid housing

Paid internship/Co‑op

Potential full-time employment

Job summary

Southland Industries, a leading MEP building systems firm, offers an internship/co-op in design engineering to immerse you in healthcare, education, biotech, and commercial projects. You’ll work with model coordinators, estimators, and field staff to develop practical, cost-effective designs and leverage VDC and CFD tools.

You’ll gain hands-on experience reading mechanical, plumbing plans, learning equipment sizing, and improving business writing while collaborating with company leaders and

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of HVAC/plumbing design.
• Basic ability to read mechanical and plumbing plans.
• Good verbal and written communications skills.
• Good computer skills, including CADD and Microsoft Office (Excel).

Responsibilities

• Performs basic deliverables and products such as calculations, drawings, and specifications related to heating, ventilating, and air‑conditioning systems under supervision of Senior Engineers.
• Performs basic calculations for a project, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection and sizing, friction loss calculations, etc.
• Assist in coordinating all aspects of the project design with project management, architects, and other trades through the completion phase of a project.
• Perform and check CADD drafting work.

Skills

HVAC design basics

Reading drawings

Verbal and written communication

CADD

Microsoft Office

Tools

CADD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Alternate locations include Dulles, VA, Boydton, VA, and Laurel, MD

Our Internship and New College Graduate program is best designed for those students who seek a truly immersive and hands‑on experience. At Southland, we view every student as a potential hire and ensure each intern, co‑op student, and every new college graduate is truly set up for success to accomplish short and long term career goals. If a student program that exposes you to exciting projects and potential career paths with one of the country’s largest MEP building systems firms appeals to you and you're ready for the next big step in your career, then JOIN our team and become a part of an organization that values PEOPLE, SAFETY, INNOVATION, COLLABORATION, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY.

Position Summary

Watch your engineering designs come to life! As a Design Engineer at Southland Industries, you'll experience the excitement of working on design‑build and design‑assist projects in healthcare, education, biotech, mission critical, commercial and entertainment markets. You’ll work hand in hand with our model coordinators, estimators, and trade staff through all aspects of a project to create a design that is practical, efficient and cost effective. You’ll also have access to internal teams using the most innovative practices in virtual construction design (VDC) and computational fluid dynamics, along with just‑in‑time feedback from the field.

Position Details

• Performs basic deliverables and products such as calculations, drawings, and specifications related to heating, ventilating, and air‑conditioning systems under supervision of Senior Engineers.
• Performs basic calculations for a project, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection and sizing, friction loss calculations, etc.
• Assist in coordinating all aspects of the project design with project management, architects, and other trades through the completion phase of a project.
• Perform and check CADD drafting work.

Qualifications

• Basic Knowledge of applicable systems design, such as HVAC, plumbing, etc.
• Basic ability to read mechanical and plumbing plans.
• Good verbal and written communications skills.
• Good computer skills, including CADD and Microsoft Office Products, such as Excel.

What you’ll gain from our Student Programs at Southland Industries:

• You’ll increase your knowledge of HVAC design to include types of equipment utilized in the industry as well as general understanding of system operations (i.e. variable air, constant volume, refrigeration cycle.)
• You’ll have the ability to communicate with all levels of management, including project management and field trades.
• You’ll learn to read mechanical and plumbing plans.
• You’ll be able to strengthen your general business writing skills and gain additional experience with CADD and other products.

Internship/Co‑op Program Benefits

• Hands‑on classroom and on‑the‑job experience in your specific role
• Opportunity to work side by side with company leaders
• Socially distant group activities and team events
• Paid housing (some locations)
• Paid internship/Co‑op
• Potential full‑time employment opportunities

Full‑time Employee Benefits

As a 100% employee‑owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
• Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
• Disability income protection insurance
• Pre‑tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Training/professional development opportunities and company‑paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
• Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Pay

Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For Maryland-based internship roles, the pay rate is set at $26.00 per hour, plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above.

Contingent Employment

All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.