An engineering career in the AEC industry offers opportunities to work alongside BIM, VDC, estimating, operations and skilled trades teams through all aspects of a construction project. At Southland, design engineers are tasked with producing mechanical, electrical, plumbing or fire protection designs that are cost-effective, practical, and efficient.
On our podcast, Southland Speaks, Tony Shakouri, Managing Principal Engineer and Nelson Beaver, Vice President of Engineering, shared valuable insights into the skills needed for engineering professionals and advice for those interested in pursuing a career in engineering.
What does a construction engineer do?
In the AEC industry, engineers can be from various disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, civil, and energy. They oversee the design and construction of complex projects, working closely with architects and other engineers to interpret building design plans and ensure projects meet performance, budget, and schedule requirements.
Nelson emphasized the importance of communication in engineering, stating, "A successful project relies on engagement and alignment between engineering, operations, and field teams, from concept to commissioning."
Engineers perform calculations, create technical drawings and specifications and oversee code compliance. Responsibilities often include calculating heating and cooling loads, selecting and sizing equipment, friction loss analysis, hydraulic calculations, and preparing design layouts for permitting and construction.
Regardless of project delivery type, whether design-build or design-assist, our engineers work to mitigate risk and support a seamless transition from design and fabrication to installation and maintenance.
"Unlike traditional plan-and-spec projects, where engineers and builders often work in silos, our integrated teams collaborate to optimize design and streamline construction. This synergy reduces waste and improves outcomes for clients," Tony said.
The path to an engineering career
Engineering careers are rarely linear, as demonstrated by both Tony and Nelson's unique experiences.
Tony's path to becoming an engineer began with a history degree and a passion for art and comic book illustration. After discovering an interest in building systems and design, he returned to school part-time to earn his engineering degree while working full-time.
"I never thought I'd end up here, but I loved problem-solving and creating systems that worked," Tony shared.
Nelson's journey started with hands-on experience in his family's audiovisual installation business, followed by earning a mechanical engineering degree. After facing a challenging job market, he landed a role at Southland by persistently networking and making connections.
Reflecting on his journey, Nelson said, "The support and mentorship I've received have shaped my career and now fuel my passion for mentoring others."
Skills needed for construction engineering
Success as an engineer in the construction industry requires a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Tony and Nelson outlined several key skills essential for engineering professionals:
Growing in your engineering career
Beyond technical contributions, engineering offers opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. Tony and Nelson, both seasoned professionals, stress the importance of guiding early career engineers and positively contributing to the company culture.
"One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is helping the next generation navigate challenges and grow into strong, capable leaders," Nelson shared.
Beyond mentoring the next generation, they are dedicated to fostering a leadership culture that reflects the lessons learned throughout their careers.
"Creating culture where mistakes are acknowledged and learned from fosters continuous improvement and innovation," Tony noted.
Both leaders highlighted the dynamic nature of careers at Southland, where engineering professionals have the chance to work on diverse, challenging projects that expand their skill sets and impact the built environment. As Southland continues to push the boundaries of design-build, our engineers play a fundamental role in shaping the future of the industry.
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As Senior Content Marketing Strategist for Southland Industries, Lindsay Janssen manages the content lifecycle. From ideation, creation, and editing through distribution, measurement and maintenance, and creating content strategy, Lindsay develops new and innovative ideas for Southland's digital channels.
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