Assistant Project Manager / Staff Engineer

The CARIAN Group; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Comprehensive benefits

Bonus incentives

Job summary

The CARIAN Group in New Jersey is seeking an Assistant Project Manager / Staff Engineer to support overhead utility construction projects for a major electric utility client in New Jersey. This is a field-focused role requiring strong organization, safety focus, and effective coordination with planners, engineers, contractors, and GIS teams.

Engineering degree is not required; success comes from hands-on field coordination, clear communication, and the ability to manage multiple sites and teams,

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year in utility construction, operations, engineering, or field PM
• Strong understanding of overhead electric distribution work
• Able to coordinate field activity across multiple sites and teams
• Clear communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and general project tracking tools
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable transportation to field locations

Responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of overhead electric distribution construction projects
• Coordinate with contractors on project scope, schedule, materials, and readiness
• Conduct pre-construction site walkdowns and field reviews
• Ensure construction work aligns with utility safety practices, operational requirements, and reliability goals
• Collaborate with client teams to update GIS data and field prints (including redlines)
• Assist with outage coordination and contingency planning
• Track field progress, flag issues, and support resolution
• Participate in design reviews and cross-functional planning meetings
• Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide limited after-hours/on-call support as needed during emergencies

Skills

Field coordination

Project awareness

Communication

Outlook

Excel

Driver's license

Team coordination

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Job description

Looking for a place to build, grow, and thrive? We’re always on the lookout for talented people ready to make a difference.

Assistant Project Manager / Staff Engineer

Job Posting: Assistant Project Manager – Overhead Utility Construction
Location: South Plainfield, NJ

Position Type: Full-Time (On-Site)

About Us

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, certified woman-owned consulting and advisory firm serving the power and utilities sector. We partner with leading electric and gas utilities to deliver capital programs, enhance operations, and solve complex challenges with deep industry expertise.

Position Overview

CARIAN is seeking a field-focused Assistant Project Manager / Staff Engineer to support the delivery of overhead utility construction projects for a major electric utility client in New Jersey. This role is ideal for candidates with field or construction experience who are highly organized, safety-focused, and ready to support the successful execution of Outside Plant (OSP) work.

You’ll work closely with utility planners, engineers, contractors, and GIS teams to ensure projects are well-planned, properly coordinated, and completed on schedule. An engineering degree is not required — this role is about strong field coordination, project awareness, and communication.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of overhead electric distribution construction projects
• Coordinate with contractors on project scope, schedule, materials, and readiness
• Conduct pre-construction site walkdowns and field reviews
• Ensure construction work aligns with utility safety practices, operational requirements, and reliability goals
• Collaborate with client teams to update GIS data and field prints (including redlines)
• Assist with outage coordination and contingency planning
• Track field progress, flag issues, and support resolution
• Participate in design reviews and cross-functional planning meetings
• Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide limited after-hours/on-call support as needed during emergencies

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in utility construction, operations, engineering, or field project management
• Strong understanding of overhead electric distribution work
• Able to coordinate field activity across multiple job sites and teams
• Clear communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and general project tracking tools
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable transportation to field locations

Preferred (Not Required)

• Familiarity with utility GIS systems and redlining practices
• Experience with pole installation and reading electric one-line diagrams
• Prior work with electric distribution field assets or substations
• Utility project management or outage planning experience
• Prior working knowledge of SAP and Ariba.

Why CARIAN?

• Purpose-driven work – Help deliver the infrastructure that keeps communities powered
• Industry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and results
• Career growth – Opportunities to build technical skills and move into advanced PM/CM roles
• Collaborative culture – Join a team that values hands-on problem solvers and field leadership
• Competitive total rewards – Competitive pay, full benefits, 401(k) match, and recognition for your impact

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $85,000 – $110,000 annually. This range represents a good-faith estimate at the time of posting; actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base salary, the role includes eligibility for bonus incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company 401(k) match.

Employment is contingent upon the candidate having and maintaining valid authorization to work in the United States. The Company does not sponsor, and will not sponsor, employment-based visas or provide immigration support for this position.

CARIAN takes pride in being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, citizenship, gender expression or identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local legally protected class.

As a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, CARIAN is committed to providing employment opportunities to women, veterans, and underrepresented minorities.

Let’s Build the Future Together

Partner with CARIAN’s expert teams to deliver innovation, reliability, and execution in capital programs.