Recent Grad/Alumni - Design Engineer I

Southland Industries; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual bonus program

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays, vacation, and personal/

Training & professional development

Wellness benefits

Company-paid memberships for pros

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking a Design Engineer I to contribute to design-build and design-assist projects across healthcare, education, biotech, and commercial markets. You’ll work with model coordinators, estimators, and trade staff to craft practical, efficient, and cost‑effective designs.

This role requires a four‑year degree and basic knowledge of HVAC/plumbing design, plus the ability to read plans and communicate clearly.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of HVAC and plumbing systems.
• Ability to read mechanical and plumbing plans.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with CAD (CADD) and Microsoft Excel.
• Four-year degree.
• PE License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic deliverables such as calculations, drawings, and specifications for HVAC systems under supervision.
• Performs basic calculations for loads, equipment sizing, and friction losses.
• Assist in coordinating all aspects of project design with management, architects, and trades.
• Perform and check CAD drafting work.

Skills

HVAC design basics

Reading mechanical/plumbing plans

Verbal & written communication

CAD drafting (CADD)

Microsoft Excel

Education

Four-year degree

PE License preferred

Tools

CADD

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Job description

Position Summary

Watch your engineering designs come to life! As a Design Engineer I at Southland Industries, you'll experience the excitement of working on design-build and design-assist projects in healthcare, education, biotech, mission critical, commercial and entertainment markets. You’ll work hand in hand with our model coordinators, estimators, and trade staff through all aspects of a project to create a design that is practical, efficient and cost effective. You’ll also have access to internal teams using the most innovative practices in virtual construction design (VDC) and computational fluid dynamics, along with just-in-time feedback from the field.

Position Details

• Performs basic deliverables and products such as calculations, drawings, and specifications related to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems under supervision of Senior Engineers.

• Performs basic calculations for a project, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection and 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.

Qualifications

• Basic Knowledge of applicable systems design, such as HVAC, plumbing, etc.

• Basic ability to read mechanical and plumbing plans.

• Good verbal and written communications skills.

• Good computer skills, including CADD and Microsoft Office Products, such as Excel.

• Four-year degree.

• PE License preferred

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.

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, 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.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities (https://southlandind.foleon.com/experienced-professionals/brochure/) , follow us on social media (https://www.linkedin.com/company/22132/?trk=tyah) , and check out our website (https://southlandind.com/) .

Pay

Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For Washington, this ranges from $80,000 - $83,000 yearly plus 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 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).