Assistant Project Manager / Staff Engineer

CARIAN; SOUTH PLAINFIELD (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Full benefits

401(k) match

On-call support

Job summary

CARIAN is seeking an Assistant Project Manager / Staff Engineer to support the delivery of overhead utility construction projects for a major electric utility client in New Jersey. The role suits candidates with field or construction experience who are highly organized and safety-conscious.

An engineering degree is not required; focus is on field coordination, project awareness, and communication. Responsibilities include coordinating with contractors, planning and executing projects, and

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.

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

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Outlook

Excel

Project tracking tools

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Job description

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

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.

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.