VDC Field Technician

Southland Industries, Inc.; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% company match (no cap)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual bonus program

Life and disability insurance

Pre-tax flexible spending plans

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays, vacation, and personal/

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking VDC Field Technicians to translate digital models into accurate field layouts using robotic total stations, GPS, and advanced field tools. You will establish project controls, verify model accuracy, and serve as a technical resource on projects while collaborating with clients and contractors.

Responsibilities span setting up layout equipment, managing data, mentoring peers, and supporting field teams with best practices and safety.

Qualifications

• Hands-on proficiency with layout and surveying tools including robotic total stations, GPS, and emerging field technologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate project data and resolve issues.
• Effective verbal and written communication to collaborate with trades, contractors, and project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate point layout tools to transfer digital design information to the field.
• Establish project control points using robotic total stations and GPS.
• Extract and manage point data, ensuring accuracy in CAD backgrounds and models.
• Monitor field progress, identify discrepancies, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain equipment inventory, calibration, and repairs.
• Mentor less-experienced staff on equipment use and layout techniques.

Skills

Layout & surveying

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Autodesk tools: Revit

Navisworks

AutoCAD

Fabrication software

Job description

The VDC Field Technicians support project teams by translating coordinated digital models intoaccuratefieldlayout. Working with advanced surveying tools, robotic total stations, GPS, and emerging field technologies, the VDC Field Techestablishesproject controls, verifies accuracy, and ensures construction aligns with Southland's design intent. Depending on level of experience, Technicians may focus on learning andassistingwith layout tasks, independently managing data and project control, training onsite personnel, or serving as the project's primary technical resource and liaison with contractors and clients.

Relationship Building/Management

• Collaborate with project teams, trades, and general contractors to support project layout and surveying activities.
• Serve as a technical point of contact on projects, with Senior Technicians acting as primary liaisons to clients and project leadership.
• Share knowledge with peers, mentoring less-experienced teammembersand contributing to a culture of accuracy and accountability.

Workflow Optimization

• Set up andoperatepoint layout tools and equipment to accurately transfer digital design information to the field.
• Establish and verify project control points using robotic total stations, GPS, and other advanced equipment.
• Extract, manage and process point data, ensuring accuracy and integrity in CAD backgrounds and digital models.
• Monitor field progress,identifydiscrepancies, and implement corrective actions to keep work on track.
• Support quality control by checkingaccuracyof layout work and documenting results for project records.
• Operate andmaintainlayout equipment and software, including robotic total stations, GPS units, and digital layout platforms.
• Stay current with emerging field technologies (e.g., Dusty Robotics, HPSitePrint) and support their adoption on projects.
• Troubleshoot equipment and software issues, escalating complex problems to supervisors or vendors as needed.
• Senior-level Technicians provide guidance on technology integration and advise project teams on best practices.

Change Management

• Adapt to evolving project needs, layouts, and construction priorities.
• Assistin communicating changes in design or project control to field teams.
• Senior Technicians lead technical discussions and problem-solving sessions with project leadership and clients.

Support and Documentation

• Maintain equipment inventory, coordinate rentals, and oversee calibration, cleaning, and repairs.
• Document layout activities, accuracy checks, and project status to support reporting and transparency.
• Participate in technical reviews, contributing insights from field operations to improve processes.
• Mentor less-experienced staff by training on proper equipment use, layout techniques, and safety practices.

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Contribute field-level insights to supervisors and project leadership, highlighting risks, constraints, or lessons learned.
• Identifyopportunities for process improvement and share recommendations for future projects.
• Senior Technicians influence continuous improvement efforts by tracking industry trends and promoting best practices.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate degree in construction, engineering, or related discipline preferred.
• Entry-level (0-2 years) to advanced (5+ years) experience, depending on Technician level.
• A proactive, "can do" mindset with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Hands-on proficiency with layout and surveying tools, including robotic total stations, GPS, and emerging field technologies.
• Working knowledge of construction practices, particularly MEPF systems, and ability to apply digital models in field execution.
• Familiarity with Autodesk tools (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, Fabrication) and Microsoft Office for documentation and reporting.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate project data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with trades, contractors, and project leadership.
• Commitment to safety, accuracy, and quality control in all field activities.
• Senior-level Technicians are expected to have proven leadership in field coordination, client interaction, and advanced technical expertise.

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, 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.

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 establishedafter 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).