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
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.