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Cooperative Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OpenAI

Software Engineer, Cooperative AI

Seattle, WA · On-site

$266K - $445K/yr

About the Team The Cooperative AI team is scaling OpenAI with OpenAI. We are building an AI powered ... We iterate fast, and engineer for reliable long-term impact. We're constantly looking for the ...

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Cooperative Engineer information

See salary details

$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do cooperative engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for cooperative engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cooperative engineer?

A Cooperative Engineer, often referred to as a 'Co-op Engineer,' is a student or recent graduate who participates in a cooperative education program that combines academic study with paid, practical work experience in engineering. These positions are typically temporary and allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world engineering projects while gaining valuable industry skills. Co-op Engineers work under the supervision of experienced professionals and may rotate through different departments to broaden their exposure to various engineering disciplines. The goal is to enhance their education, build a professional network, and improve their employment prospects after graduation.

What are some common challenges cooperative engineers face when working across multiple departments?

Cooperative Engineers often collaborate with various departments such as production, quality assurance, and research & development. A common challenge is balancing differing priorities and communication styles between teams, which can lead to misunderstandings or delays. Successful Cooperative Engineers proactively foster clear communication and adaptability, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on project goals. This cross-functional exposure also provides valuable learning opportunities and broadens technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooperative engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooperative Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical or mechanical engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD or GIS systems), safety regulations, and sometimes EIT or PE certification are commonly required. Exceptional teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help facilitate collaboration with utility members and interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and innovative solutions for cooperative utility operations and infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Cooperative Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCooperative EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, cooperative program experienceBachelor's degree in civil engineering, licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship or cooperative work placements, on-site construction or design projectsDesign offices, construction sites, planning departments
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, government agencies during trainingArchitectural firms, construction companies, government infrastructure projects

Cooperative Engineers typically participate in internship programs during their studies, gaining practical experience in engineering projects. Civil Engineers often hold full professional roles with licensure, focusing on designing, planning, and overseeing infrastructure projects. Both roles are essential in the engineering industry, but Cooperative Engineers are usually in training, while Civil Engineers are fully qualified professionals.

More about Cooperative Engineer jobs

What job categories do people searching Cooperative Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooperative Engineer jobs are:

Cooperative Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooperative Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Manager, Engineering

Carroll Electric Cooperative Corporation

Berryville, AR • On-site

$150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and supervise the cooperative's engineering activities, employees, and assigned projects.

  • Oversee distribution system planning, design, analysis, and long-range improvement efforts.

  • Review and approve engineering studies, system models, construction plans, specifications, and technical recommendations.

Job description

Leads the cooperative's engineering function and helps ensure the electric distribution system is planned, designed, and maintained to safely and reliably serve members.This position provides technical leadership for system planning, distribution design, construction standards, system studies, and other engineering activities. The Manager of Engineering works closely with operations, staking, GIS, purchasing, management, and other departments to support both day-to-day needs and long-term system improvements.This role is a good fit for an experienced engineer who can combine strong technical judgment with practical leadership, communication, and decision-making.What You'll DoResponsibilities may include:Lead and supervise the cooperative's engineering activities, employees, and assigned projects.Oversee distribution system planning, design, analysis, and long-range improvement efforts.Review and approve engineering studies, system models, construction plans, specifications, and technical recommendations.Help establish and maintain engineering standards, specifications, and design practices.Evaluate system loading, voltage, reliability, capacity, and other performance needs.Support planning for substations, feeders, distribution lines, system upgrades, and major capital projects.Work with operations and field personnel to resolve technical issues and identify practical system solutions.Coordinate engineering support for new services, system extensions, relocations, and other construction activities.Assist with outage analysis, reliability improvement, system protection, and other operational engineering needs.Provide technical guidance related to equipment selection, construction methods, system standards, and utility practices.Help develop capital plans, budgets, project priorities, and long-range system improvement strategies.Coordinate with consultants, contractors, vendors, utilities, governmental agencies, and other outside organizations as needed.Support the development and use of engineering, GIS, mapping, and system modeling tools.Ensure engineering records, calculations, studies, and documentation are accurate and maintained appropriately.Develop employees through coaching, training, clear expectations, and regular feedback.Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.Perform other related duties as assigned.What We're Looking ForCandidates should:Have a bachelor's degree and Professional Engineer licensure in electrical engineering or a closely related engineering field.Have experience in electric utility engineering, distribution system planning, power systems, or a related area.Have strong technical knowledge of electric distribution systems and utility engineering practices.Have demonstrated leadership, supervisory, or project management experience.Be able to evaluate complex technical issues and make practical, well-supported decisions.Have strong communication and interpersonal skills.Be able to work effectively with engineers, field employees, managers, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders.Have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.Be comfortable using engineering software, system models, GIS, spreadsheets, and other technical tools.Have sound judgment and a strong commitment to safety, reliability, and service.Experience with electric cooperatives, distribution system modeling, substations, system protection, or utility capital planning is preferred.Position DetailsThis is a full-time leadership position responsible for the cooperative's engineering function and for supporting both current system operations and long-term electric system planning.The Manager of Engineering plays an important role in balancing safety, reliability, growth, system performance, cost, and practical field considerations while helping guide the continued development of the cooperative's distribution system.Schedule: Normal working hours start at 8:00 am and end at 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday.Pay: $150,000+ depending on experience and abilities.Carroll Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Posted by ApplicantPro