Intern – Energy Engineer

Southland Industries; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid housing (some locations)

Paid internship/Co-op

Potential full-time employment

Training/professional development

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Southland Industries offers an internship program designed for hands-on exposure to Energy Engineering within the design/build sector. Candidates will assist with field audits, data collection, and energy analysis while supporting the team on energy-saving projects.

The program encourages growth through real projects, practical experience, and potential full-time opportunities after the internship or co-op. It is a strong pathway into a career in MEP building systems.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental, Energy, or Mechanical Engineering; or in a related field. Completion of classes in energy systems, energy efficiency, power systems, or generation systems highly desirable.
• Strong work ethic and proactive mindset.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills.
• Able to work with limited supervision and solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior resources in field audits, data logger installation, data collection, utility bill and rate analysis, and energy savings modeling.
• Support energy audits to identify and recommend energy efficiency improvements.
• Support obtaining energy incentives and verify tax benefits on large projects.
• Perform basic deliverables in energy reports and energy concept validation.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Initiative

Team player

Quick learner

Positive attitude

Accountability

Goal oriented

Active listening

Public speaking

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental, Energy, or Mechanical Engineering

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.

Position Summary

Our internship program is designed to introduce candidates to a career in the field of Energy Engineering for the Design/Build construction industry. Primary responsibility is to assist the Energy Engineering team in all aspects of our work.

Position Details

• Assist senior resources in performing field audits and measurement and verification which will include data logger installation, data collection, utility bill and rate analysis, and developing energy savings analysis models.
• Support energy audits that are used to identify and recommend energy efficiency improvements.
• Support obtaining energy incentives and verifying tax benefits on large projects.
• Perform basic deliverables in support of energy reports, validating and analyzing energy efficiency design concepts leveraging the fundamentals of building mechanical, electrical, and domestic/irrigation water system engineering. Assist in planning and conducting building energy analysis.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental, Energy, or Mechanical Engineering; or in a related field. Completion of classes in energy systems, energy efficiency, power systems, or generation systems 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:

• Increase your knowledge of energy modeling
• Become more familiar with planning and executing data collection, leveraging real data for real systems
• Gain experience in planning and conducting measurements sand verification activities
• You’ll have the ability to communicate with all levels of management

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

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,

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).