Project Engineer I- SR AECI
Little Rock, Arkansas, US, 72209
Better Connected, Together: Employees Power Our Mission
At Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), our diverse, dedicated team powers a shared mission: to deliver electricity that is reliable, affordable and responsible. Better connected, together with Arkansas’ electric distribution cooperatives — we provide wholesale power and essential services that improve quality of life across the state, serving more than 1.2 million members and the communities they call home.
Our Employees are the Driving Force Behind Everything We Do
We believe in supporting, valuing, and investing in our people — because when our team thrives, our mission succeeds. If you're looking for meaningful work, a strong sense of purpose, and a place where your contributions truly matter, we invite you to consider joining us.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
Provide electric cooperatives and customers engineering design, design review, coordination, and project management services for utility infrastructure projects, including distribution systems, fiber optic installations, transmission lines, substations, and right-of-way clearing initiatives. This role supports AECI – Utility Services distribution, fiber, transmission, substation, and right-of-way (ROW) clearing projects, working closely with internal teams, external consultants, and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable standards and regulations within a (5) state area of: Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare and/or support engineering design services for electric cooperatives and customer utility project types mentioned above.
- Perform design review services, including independent reviews of engineering drawings, specifications, calculations, and plans prepared by external consultants to ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., NESC, IEEE), safety requirements, and constructability, and best practices.
- Effectively manage and partner with external consultants. Perform aspects of administrating contractual agreements with external consultants for products or services in support of large projects. Includes developing, negotiating, and administering contracts and agreements with external engineering and design consultants. Prepare scopes of work, fee proposals, and contract documents to govern consultant services. Review and approve consultant invoices, change orders, and contract amendments.
- Deliver project management services, including developing and maintaining project schedules, budgets, resource plans, risk assessments, and progress reports; track milestones; manage change orders; and ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to quality expectations.
- Collaborate with internal teams (Project Managers, Analysts, Field Crews, Accounting, Safety, etc.) to facilitate smooth project execution.
- Provides construction field support, as needed.
- The ability to handle stress and work well with others are essential functions of this position.
- Due to our obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to our customers, the ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance and the ability to work outside your regularly scheduled office hours when necessary is an essential function of the job.
- Maintain awareness of and compliance with applicable laws and regulations from various regulatory entities, internal policies, procedures, and directives. Ensure ongoing monitoring and timely incorporation of any changes to maintain adherence to compliance standards.
- Perform any other related duties as required or assigned. Provide cross-functional support to others within the department or other departments as needed to meet organizational objectives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical or related field) preferred. Must hold degree from ABET accredited University. Plus 0-2 years related experience and/or training.
Project Engineer II- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical or related field) preferred. Must hold degree from ABET accredited University, plus 2-4 years related experience and/or training.
Project Engineer III- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical or related field) preferred. Must hold degree from ABET accredited University, plus 4+ years related experience and/or training.
Project Engineer Sr- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical or related field) preferred. Must hold degree from ABET accredited University, plus 8+ years related experience and/or training.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must have a valid Driver's License.
PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
FE or PE certification. Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Arkansas.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Periodically exposed to such elements as noise, intermittent standing, walking, occasionally pushing, carrying, or lifting; but none are present to the extent of being disagreeable.
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather conditions, risk of electrical shock; and occasionally exposed to work in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, wet or humid conditions, extreme cold, risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
Moderate diversity, moderately physical. Work activities which allow for a moderate amount of diversity in the performance of tasks which requires somewhat diversified physical demands of the employee.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; and frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; and depth perception.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Travel Requirements - As necessary to meet and coordinate with customers, attend project site visits, and attend required conferences/trainings. Overnight travel could occasionally be required.
This position will be provided a company vehicle for business use.
Ability to become a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Arkansas. Experience with AutoCAD, PLSCADD, or other design software is desirable.
Must have ability to read and interpret design drawings.
Must have ability to read and interpret construction specifications and site-specific details.
Must be able to travel to various locations throughout the state of Arkansas to complete work assignments. Overnight travel could be occasionally required.
In pursuant of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act 593, this position is a designated safety-sensitive position according to AECC/AECI standards and processes.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or at any time in the future.
Why Join Us?
We invest in our employees with competitive pay, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and future:
- 100% Company Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- 401(k) with 3% Dollar-for Dollar Company Match
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 9 Paid holidays
- 2 Floating holidays
- Educational assistance
- Paid time off accrual
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- Free & confidential Employee Assistance Program
EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DISABLED
Should you elect to apply for this position, AECC/AECI will review your qualifications. If after reviewing the qualifications and experience of all applicants, your skills and credentials meet our needs, someone from our organization may contact you. Please be advised that the time required to complete the applicant review process typically takes between 30 and 90 days but could extend beyond that. Once the position has been filled, all applicants will be notified via email.
Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. are Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other protected category.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Nearest Major Market: Little Rock