Intern – Project Engineer

Southland Industries; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience

Work with company leaders

Paid housing (some locations)

Paid internship/Co‑op

Potential full-time employment

Job summary

Southland Industries invites students to join its internship and New College Graduate program, offering immersion in design/build HVAC, plumbing and fire protection projects. You’ll assist design managers and project managers, coordinating engineering, labor, equipment, and subcontracted services to develop skills in design, estimating, and scheduling.

You will gain hands-on experience reading drawings, tracking labor, and communicating with engineers and vendors, with potential full-time

Qualifications

• You’re pursuing a degree that aligns with Southland needs.
• Mechanical, Architectural, Electrical Engineering
• Construction Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Safety Sciences
• Other areas of interest — Building Automation, Energy Management
• You have an Interest in technical courses — fluids, heat transfer, CM scheduling, finance, etc.
• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Mechanical

Architectural

Electrical

Civil

Construction

Safety

Building Automation

Energy Management

Communications

Motivation

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Architectural Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Construction Engineering

Civil Engineering

Safety Sciences

Job description

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

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 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

• You’re pursuing a degree that aligns with Southland needs:
• Mechanical, Architectural, Electrical Engineering
• Construction Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Safety Sciences
• Other areas of interest — Building Automation, Energy Management
• You have an Interest in technical courses — fluids, heat transfer, CM scheduling, finance, etc.
• 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:

• Basic 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) is desired but not required.
• The ability to read mechanical and plumbing drawings and identify work installed to track labor feedback accurately.
• The ability to prepare an equipment delivery log and track status of these orders.
• You’ll learn to communicate effectively with engineers, vendors and suppliers to procure, manage and update the submittal process.
• Ability to communicate with field foremen in order to write and track Requests for Information (RFI) both internally with our design department and externally with the architect or other designers.
• Finally, you’ll get your hands dirty!

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, 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 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.

Pay:

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

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.