What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design Engineer III - Industrial position at Southland Industries?
Job Description
Position Summary
We are seeking an Industrial Engineer DE-III to join our team supporting our pre-fabrication manufacturing/assembly site for MEP systems. In this role, you will lead process improvement initiatives, optimize manufacturing workflows, and drive measurable improvements across operations. You will analyze production data, identify systemic inefficiencies, and implement scalable solutions to improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance.
The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, demonstrated success in continuous improvement initiatives, and the ability to lead projects while collaborating across engineering, operations, and project teams. This role serves as a key contributor bridging hands-on execution and strategic planning within a growing organization.
Position Details
As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:
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.
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).
Position Summary
We are seeking an Industrial Engineer DE-III to join our team supporting our pre-fabrication manufacturing/assembly site for MEP systems. In this role, you will lead process improvement initiatives, optimize manufacturing workflows, and drive measurable improvements across operations. You will analyze production data, identify systemic inefficiencies, and implement scalable solutions to improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance.
The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, demonstrated success in continuous improvement initiatives, and the ability to lead projects while collaborating across engineering, operations, and project teams. This role serves as a key contributor bridging hands-on execution and strategic planning within a growing organization.
Position Details
- Reviews project objectives and leads efforts to identify and implement improvements in cost, schedule, quality, and labor efficiency within modular fabrication.
- Leads coordination of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) initiatives, working closely with internal stakeholders to align execution with project goals.
- Partners with design and fabrication teams to integrate DfMA principles into project planning and execution workflows.
- Conducts advanced time studies and develops standardized work processes to optimize shop production and field installation performance.
- Analyzes manufacturing workflows using lean principles; leads implementation of process improvements to reduce waste and increase throughput.
- Collaborates with project managers, field superintendents, and procurement teams to ensure constructability, sequencing, and material readiness.
- Contributes to the design, development, and deployment of manufacturing technologies and digital tools (e.g., BIM integration, CNC processes, material handling systems).
- Supports and reinforces QA/QC standards, helping ensure consistent quality in prefabricated assemblies.
- Leads efforts to plan and optimize shop layouts, work cells, and production flows for efficiency and scalability.
- Develops and maintains operational metrics; performs data analysis to drive continuous improvement and inform decision-making.
- Leads medium to large improvement projects and mentors junior engineers (Industrial Engineer I & II).
- Facilitates cross-functional initiatives and helps drive adoption of best practices across the organization.
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (required).
- 6–9 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, prefabrication, or construction-related environments.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production systems, and workflows; experience in MEP systems, HVAC, or piping preferred.
- Solid understanding of construction project workflows and field installation sequencing.
- Proficiency with CAD/modeling tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, SketchUp); working knowledge of BIM workflows.
- Experience with ERP systems, production scheduling, and data analysis tools (Excel required; advanced analytics tools a plus).
- Demonstrated application of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proven ability to lead projects and implement process improvements with measurable results.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
- Experience mentoring or guiding less experienced engineers is preferred.
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
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.
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).