Intern - Design Engineer

Southland Industries; Union (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid housing (some locations)

Paid internship/Co‑op

Potential full-time opportunities

Job summary

Southland Industries in California invites motivated students to join its Design Engineering internship program. You will assist Senior Engineers, perform basic calculations, drafting, and support HVAC/plumbing project design under supervision.

This hands-on role exposes you to real project work, cross-functional collaboration, and potential full-time opportunities after graduation.

Qualifications

• You are pursuing a degree aligned with Southland needs: Mechanical Engineering; Thermodynamics and HVAC Design coursework desired.
• You demonstrate a strong work ethic, initiative, communication, and collaboration.
• You show problem-solving ability with limited guidance; quick learner and adaptable.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Engineers in design tasks as required.
• Perform basic deliverables like calculations, drawings, and specs for HVAC systems under supervision.
• Execute basic load, equipment sizing, and duct/pipe sizing calculations.
• Coordinate design tasks with project management, architects, and other trades through completion.
• Perform and check CADD drafting work.
• Review codes and field conditions to support design.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Initiative

Strong communication

Resourceful

Quick learner

Team player

Active listening

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Thermodynamics coursework

HVAC Design coursework

Tools

CADD drafting

Reading plans

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.

Position Summary

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.

Pay

For California-based internship roles, the pay rate is set at $26.00 per hour, in alignment with program guidelines and market standards.

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

• 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.