HVAC/MEP Design Engineer Intern

Southland Industries; Virginia; Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid housing

Paid internship/Co-op

Potential full-time employment

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking driven design engineering interns/new graduates to support HVAC, plumbing and fire protection design tasks. You’ll assist senior engineers, run basic calculations, prepare drawings, and help coordinate with project teams.

Gain hands-on experience in a leading MEP firm with potential full-time opportunities. Maryland locations pay $26 per hour for internship roles, with comprehensive entry-level training and mentorship.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering aligned with design needs.
• THERMODYNAMICS and HVAC Design coursework desirable.
• Strong work ethic and initiative to complete tasks.
• Clear communication and proactive problem solving.
• Resourceful, resilient, and capable of learning quickly.
• Collaborative mindset and strong teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Engineers in design tasks as required.
• Produce basic deliverables such as calculations, drawings, and specs for HVAC systems under supervision.
• Perform basic calculations (loads, equipment sizing, duct/pipe sizing, friction loss).
• Coordinate design with project management, architects, and trades through closeout.
• Support and check CADD drafting work.
• Review codes and field conditions to support design.

Skills

Work ethic

Initiative

Communication

Resourcefulness

Problem solving

Team player

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Thermodynamics & HVAC Design coursework desirable

Tools

CADD drafting

Job description

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

Position Summary

Our internship program is designed to introduce students to a career in design-build, HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection. A design engineer intern’s primary responsibility is to assist the design team in all aspects of work.

Position Details

• Assist senior engineers in design tasks as required
• Perform basic deliverables and products such as calculations, drawings, and specifications related to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems under supervision of senior engineers
• Perform basic calculations for a project, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection, and sizing, pipe and duct 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
• Review applicable codes and criteria and examine field conditions as required to support design of project

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 who seeks answers on their own
• Positive attitude during all situations
• Accountability in stressful situations
• Goal-oriented mindset
• Collaborative spirit and a team player

Paid 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
• Group activities and team events
• Paid housing (some locations)
• 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 holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
• Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

Our internship and new college graduate program is best designedfor students who seek an immersive and hands-on experience. At Southland, we view every student as a potential hire and ensure each intern, co-op student, and new college graduate is truly set up for success to accomplish short-and long-term career goals.

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, apply now to join our dynamic team.

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, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, 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 hourplus 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.

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 establishedafter 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).