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Cooperative Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OpenAI

Software Engineer, Cooperative AI

Seattle, WA · On-site

$230K - $385K/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

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$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do cooperative engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 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.

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 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 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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Engineering jobs that can pay $500,000 or more typically include senior roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and software engineers in high-paying industries. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills, and may involve leadership responsibilities or working in high-stakes environments.
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Electric Distribution System Engineer

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative

Troy, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 hours ago

Job description

Powering Communities. Honoring Our Legacy. Building the Future.

At Cuivre River Electric Cooperative, we don't just deliver electricity, we power communities, industries, farms, and families across eastern Missouri. As the largest electric distribution cooperative in Missouri, our responsibility is significant, and so is our opportunity to innovate.

For more than 80 years, our Cooperative has been built on the principles of service, reliability, and community. Today, we are looking for a System Engineer who respects that legacy while bringing a fresh perspective on how modern distribution systems should evolve.

This role is ideal for an engineer who wants more than a traditional utility job. Here, your ideas matter, your expertise will be heard, and your work will directly shape the reliability and growth of a rapidly expanding electric system.

If you want to help design the grid of the future while serving real communities, CREC is the place to do it.

What You'll Do

As a System Engineer, you will play a critical role in planning, analyzing, and improving our electrical distribution system to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective service for our members.

Key responsibilities include:

System Planning & Engineering

  • Analyze system performance and recommend construction or upgrades to maintain reliability and efficiency
  • Participate in long-range system planning and annual engineering work plans
  • Conduct power flow studies, fault studies, and system coordination analysis

Distribution System Operations

  • Support staking engineers in preparing construction designs and work orders
  • Review and approve work orders and field check construction for compliance
  • Coordinate joint use and attachment applications with other utilities
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of distribution construction standards

Reliability & System Performance

  • Program and coordinate downline protection devices and system equipment
  • Support switching orders and system operational planning
  • Analyze power quality issues and large load requests from members

Leadership & Collaboration

  • Provide mentorship and support to engineering staff
  • Work closely with operations, GIS, member services, and external consultants
  • Participate in statewide cooperative engineering meetings and technical development

Your work will directly influence how the cooperative grows and serves members for decades to come.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking someone who combines technical expertise with curiosity and initiative.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in power systems
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Missouri or ability to obtain within one year
  • Knowledge of electrical distribution systems, protection, and system planning
  • Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills

Preferred Experience

  • Experience in electric distribution engineering
  • Familiarity with system modeling, coordination studies, and power quality analysis
  • Experience working with electric cooperatives or utility environments

Why Cuivre River Electric Cooperative?

Working at a cooperative is different.

We serve members, not shareholders, and every engineering decision we make impacts the communities we live in.

At Cuivre River, you will find:

  • One of the fastest-growing electric distribution systems in Missouri
  • A culture where engineers are encouraged to challenge ideas and bring new thinking
  • Leadership that values long-term planning, reliability, and innovation
  • The opportunity to make meaningful decisions that impact 75,000+ members
  • This is a place where tradition matters, but progress drives us forward.

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative offers a robust benefits package, including retirement savings plan, generous personal leave, onsite fitness facility, medical, dental, vision, life, and short and long term disability, wellness programs and much more! 

Additional Expectations

  • Occasional evening or weekend availability during outages or emergencies
  • Limited overnight travel for professional meetings or training

Join Us

If you're looking for a career where your engineering work has real impact, where your voice is heard, and where you can help shape the future of the electric grid, we encourage you to apply.

Help us honor the past while engineering the future.

EOE

Apply