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Managing Principal Engineer - MEP Design Build

Southland Industries Inc.
Garden, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/3/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/3/2026

Position Summary

As a Managing Principal Engineer, you will manage, coordinate, and lead (conceptual) design on projects for the Southern California Division of Southland Industries. A large component of this role will be focused on client relationship development and management and directly supporting and developing the strategic growth of the design department and business services. A perfect candidate will be an excellent people leader and developer and informally manage a large group of engineers, responsible for achieving project goals and objectives. 

Position Details

  • Ensures engineering standards are maintained and followed
  • Act as the Mechanical Engineering expert for the division, which also includes:
    • Providing design and engineering support to other departments as needed
    • Being responsible for achieving project goals and objectives
    • Managing conceptual design for specific projects
    • Preparing complex preliminary redline design layouts for estimating, performs more complex calculations for a project, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection and sizing, friction loss calculations, etc.
    • Performing site inspections to determine compliance with construction documents and resolving design issues (contract and scope) in all phases of the project: Preconstruction through Commissioning
    • Supporting departmental alignments through aligning staff talent and skills with division needs, meaning verifying BIM/VDC, Fire Protection, Detailing, Engineering are all supporting current field needs and division direction
  • Serve as the SME in the division for key technical topics, meaning you will also serve as the design expert at project team meetings
  • Work directly with Private Clients, Developers, or other Divisions peer groups
  • Through strong technical leadership on projects, develop and maintain client relationships at the deepest levels, with ability to support client needs and questions on a one-on-one basis
  • Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and technical expertise from project concept through field installation
  • Informally manage a larger group of engineers, including staffing, training and performance management with the focus of people development

Qualifications

  • Mastery knowledge of applicable systems design, such as HVAC, plumbing, etc., as well as all design engineering aspects
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communication with all levels of employees, clients and general contractors
  • Has a deep network of existing client and owner relationships that can be leveraged to support future work acquisition and project development
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Strong public speaking ability
  • Strong computer skills, including CADD and Microsoft Office Products, such as Excel
  • Four-year degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required, MS degree preferred
  • Licensed Mechanical or Architectural PE required
  • 15-25 yrs. Experience in design engineering required, ideally on mega projects within the mission critical and healthcare sectors
  • 8 yrs. management experience required

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, apply now to 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, 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.

Pay: Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For (Colorado/New York City/California/Washington/Maryland) this ranges from  $140,000-$240,000 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).

Salary : $140,000 - $240,000

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