Intern - Design Engineer

Southland Industries

USonsitePosted Aug 21, 2026
Posting intelligenceActively listed

About the role

Position Summary

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 Design Engineering for the Design/Build HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection industry. Primary responsibility is to assist the design team in all aspects of our work.

Position Details

Assist Senior Engineers in design tasks as required.

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

Perform basic calculations for a project, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection, and sizing, pipe and duct 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.

Review applicable codes and criteria and examine field conditions as required to support design of project.

Qualifications

You’re pursuing a degree that aligns with Southland needs: a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering; or in a related field. Completion of classes in Thermodynamics and HVAC Design is 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:

You’ll increase your 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.)

You’ll have the ability to communicate with all levels of management, including project management and field trades.

You’ll learn to read mechanical and plumbing plans.

You’ll be able to strengthen your general business writing skills and gain additional experience with CADD and other products.

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

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

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).

Questions about this role

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Compensation for Design Engineer roles in United States varies widely by seniority, employer size, and remote vs onsite arrangement. Check the salary range on this listing when published, or browse our Design Engineer hub for United States medians across recent openings.

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