Vice President of Engineering

ZipRecruiter; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading natural gas utility company as Vice President of Engineering in Little Rock, AR. This role entails overseeing engineering programs, ensuring safety and compliance, and leading strategic initiatives. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in natural gas utilities and a strong leadership background.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage

Support for work-life balance and family needs

Qualifications

• 15+ years in natural gas transmission/distribution.
• 5+ years in senior management.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in relevant states.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and execution of engineering programs.
• Oversee engineering initiatives for safety and reliability.
• Manage asset planning and hydraulic modeling analyses.

Skills

Natural gas utility engineering

Leadership

Technical writing

Communication

Strategic oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Advanced degree in Engineering or Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Join our growing team and see why Summit Utilities, Inc. has been recognized as one of the Fastest Growing Denver Area Private Companies (2019, 2020), Best Places to Work in Maine (2019-2023), Arkansas (2020, 2023), Oklahoma (2022, 2023), Missouri (2023), and Forbes 2023 America’s Best Small Employers.

Summit is a expanding natural gas utility company providing safe, reliable, and clean-burning natural gas services to homes and businesses across Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence and innovation, committing to safety daily, and serving our communities with warmth and energy.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Vice President of Engineering. The position is based in Little Rock, AR, but we are open to applicants residing in AR or ME.

Position Summary

The Vice President and Chief Engineer at Summit Utilities, Inc. leads strategic planning, management, and execution of engineering programs. This role ensures safety, reliability, and efficiency across all engineering activities, focusing on design, construction, and operation of natural gas utility systems. Responsibilities include developing engineering standards, system documentation, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining quality assurance and control.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Engineering Oversight

• Oversee and approve engineering initiatives to ensure safety and reliability in design, construction, inspection, and repair of gas utility systems.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to set and achieve strategic goals, emphasizing innovation, safety, and operational excellence.
• Mentor staff and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop and enforce engineering standards, review technical projects, and ensure regulatory compliance and cost efficiency.
• Evaluate costs and rate implications of engineering projects.
• Represent SUI in public and regulatory engagements related to engineering concerns.
• Manage asset planning and perform hydraulic modeling analyses to support growth and reliability.

Capital Budget Management

• Coordinate with financial leadership on capital investment planning for growth and system improvements.

Asset Data and Technology Integration

• Lead development and deployment of asset data systems and field applications, ensuring data accuracy and operational efficiency.

Engineering Codes, Standards, and Compliance

• Guide the development and enforcement of engineering standards aligned with regulations and industry best practices.
• Engage with regulatory agencies to ensure standards compliance.

Measurement

• Support measurement operations, including customer metering and regulatory compliance testing.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives for measurement excellence.

Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• Advanced degree in Engineering or Management preferred.
• At least 15 years in natural gas transmission/distribution, with 5+ years in senior management.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Colorado, Maine, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep expertise in natural gas utility engineering, planning, design, and operations.
• Strong knowledge of industry regulations and standards, including 49 CFR Parts 190–197 and ASTM B38.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Strategic oversight and innovative thinking focused on safety and compliance.

Summit offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, supporting work-life balance and family needs.

Summit Utilities, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected statuses.