Intern - Design Engineer

Southland Industries; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid housing (some locations)

Paid internship/Co‑op

Potential full-time opportunities

Job summary

Southland Industries invites motivated students and new college graduates to join our Internship and New College Graduate program in Tempe, AZ. You will gain hands-on exposure to HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection system design, assist senior engineers, perform calculations, and support drafting activities under supervision.

You will learn to read mechanical plans, communicate with management and field trades, and develop professional skills through real projects, mentorship, and potential

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree aligned with Southland needs (ME) with Thermodynamics/HVAC design coursework desirable.
• Candidate demonstrates strong work ethic, initiative, and communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly, work with limited supervision, and collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Engineers in design tasks and deliverables.
• Perform basic calculations for heating/cooling loads, equipment sizing, and duct/pipe sizing.
• Coordinate design with project management, architects, and trades through completion.
• Review codes and field conditions to support design.
• Perform and check CADD drafting work.
• Support project coordination and documentation.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Initiative

Problem solving

Quick learner

Collaborative spirit

Public speaking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Thermodynamics & HVAC Design coursework desirable

Tools

CADD drafting

Job description

Position Summary

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 internship program is designed to introduce candidates to a career in the field of Design Engineering for the Design/Build HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection industry. Primary responsibility is to assist the design team in all aspects of our 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

• You’re pursuing a degree that aligns with Southland needs: a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering; or in a related field. Completion of classes in Thermodynamics and HVAC Design is highly desirable.
• 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
• 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. 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.

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).