Intern - Project Engineer

Job Description

Our Internship and New College Graduate program is best designed for students who seek a truly immersive and hands‑on experience. The program offers exposure to exciting projects and potential career paths within one of the country’s largest MEP building systems firms. Join our team to become part of an organization that values PEOPLE, SAFETY, INNOVATION, COLLABORATION, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY.

Our internship program introduces 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 in coordinating a project using engineering, labor, equipment, materials, tools, and subcontracted services. The role develops skills in design, estimating, and scheduling to better understand the coordination of the design‑build construction process.

• Support field labor
• Labor feedback
• Equipment & subcontractor procurement
• Document control
• Design, trade & subcontractor coordination
• Assist in budget analysis, cost and margin projections, and estimate project changes & impacts
• Assist in the development of project schedules

• Currently pursuing a degree aligned with Southland needs:
  Mechanical, Architectural, Electrical Engineering, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Safety Sciences, or other areas of interest such as Building Automation and Energy Management
• Interest in technical courses – fluids, heat transfer, CM scheduling, finance, etc.
• A strong work ethic, initiative, and drive to complete tasks
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• Resourceful, resilient, and able to solve problems with limited support
• Quick learner who seeks answers independently
• Positive attitude in adverse/non‑ideal situations
• Accountability in stressful situations, avoiding blame
• Goal‑oriented and collaborative spirit with a “we vs. me” attitude
• Competent general business writing and public speaking

• Basic knowledge of HVAC design, including equipment types and system operations (variable air, constant volume, refrigeration cycle)
• Ability to read mechanical and plumbing drawings and track installed work for labor feedback
• Skill to prepare delivery logs and track order status
• Experience in communicating with engineers, vendors, and suppliers for procurement and submittal processes
• Experience interacting with field foremen to write and track Requests for Information (RFI)
• Hands‑on, in‑field experience

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

• Hands‑on classroom and on‑job experience in your role
• Opportunity to work side by side with company leaders
• Socially‑distanced group activities and team events
• Paid housing (some locations)
• Paid internship/Co‑op
• Potential full‑time employment opportunities

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and 100% vesting
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
• Annual bonus program based on performance, achievement, and company profitability
• Term life, AD&D, 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 and professional development opportunities and company‑paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
• Wellness benefits

Southland Industries is one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, built on great people. Since 1949 we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. Join a fast‑paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at…