Co-Op (Fall Semester 2026 - Spring Semester 2027) - Project Engineer

Southland Industries; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid housing

Paid internship

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Southland Industries is offering a comprehensive Internship and Co-op program for students in Virginia, aimed at providing hands-on experience in HVAC design, plumbing, and fire protection. Interns will support project managers and learn skills in estimating and scheduling within the design-build construction process.

Participants will gain valuable insights into equipment types used in the industry and develop their business writing skills, ultimately preparing them for future roles in a

Qualifications

• Internship candidates should have a strong work ethic, initiative, and effective communication skills.
• Must be able to solve problems with limited support and demonstrate resilience.
• Must have a positive attitude and be goal-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating projects between design and field teams.
• Support field labor and provide feedback.
• Assist in budget analysis and project scheduling.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Initiative

Strong communication skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Listening skills

General business writing

Tools

CADD

Job description

Job Description

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

PEOPLE, SAFETY, INNOVATION, COLLABORATION, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY.

Position Summary

Our co‑op program is designed to introduce students to a career in the Design/Build HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection industry. Primary responsibility is to assist a design manager or project manager to successfully coordinate a project using the necessary engineering, labor, equipment, materials, tools, and subcontracted services. This position requires the development of skills in design, estimating and scheduling to better understand the coordination of the design-build construction process.

• Support field labor
• Labor feedback
• Equipment & Subcontractor procurement
• Document Control
• Design, Trade & Subcontractor coordination
• Assist in budget analysis, cost and margin projections, estimate project changes & impacts, etc.
• Assist in the development of project schedules.

Job Description

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.

Our co‑op program is designed to introduce students to a career in the Design/Build HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection industry. Primary responsibility is to assist a design manager or project manager to successfully coordinate a project using the necessary engineering, labor, equipment, materials, tools, and subcontracted services. This position requires the development of skills in design, estimating and scheduling to better understand the coordination of the design-build construction process.

Position Details

• Support field labor
• Labor feedback
• Equipment & Subcontractor procurement
• Document Control
• Design, Trade & Subcontractor coordination
• Assist in budget analysis, cost and margin projections, estimate project changes & impacts, etc.
• Assist in the development of project schedules.

Qualifications

• A strong work ethic
• Initiative and drive to get the job done
• Strong communication skills
• The ability to be resourceful and resilient
• Able to solve problems with limited support
• Quick learner, seeks answers on their own
• Positive attitude during adverse/non-ideal situations
• Exercises Accountability in stressful situations (avoids placing blame)
• Goal Oriented
• Collaborative spirit and a Good Teammate – has a "We vs. Me" attitude
• Strong active listening skills
• Competent general business writing and public speaking

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
• 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. If you want to join a fast‑paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued,

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

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.

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.

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, in alignment with program guidelines.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).