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

Southland Industries, Inc.; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship/Co-op

Housing support

Potential full-time opportunity

Job summary

Southland Industries in Dulles, VA invites engineering students to join its Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 Co-op as a Project Engineer. You will assist a design or project manager to coordinate HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection projects, gaining exposure to design, estimating and scheduling in a leading MEP building systems firm.

This paid internship offers hands-on experience, opportunities for full-time employment, and access to training, equipment planning, and collaboration with field labor and

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic and drive to complete tasks.
• Clear communication and teamwork.
• Resourceful with limited support.
• Fast learner who seeks answers independently.
• Positive attitude in adverse situations.
• Excellent listening and business writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Support design manager or project manager in coordinating projects.
• Assist in design, estimating, and scheduling.
• Coordinate with field labor, equipment, and subcontractors.

Skills

Work ethic

Initiative

Communication skills

Resourcefulness

Problem solving

Quick learner

Positive attitude

Accountability

Goal orientation

Team player

Active listening

Business writing & public speaking

Education

Pursuing engineering degree

Tools

CAD

Job description

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

Tracking Code 5512 Job Description

Our Internship and New College Graduate program is best designedfor 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 astudent 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'reready for the next big step in your career, thenJOINour team and become a part of an organizationthat valuesPEOPLE,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.

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 with50% 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 anEqual Opportunity Employerand 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.

Job Location Dulles, Virginia, United States Position Type Co-op

Alternate Location

N/A