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Cooperative Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Engineering, and Medicine, provides leadership in transportation innovation through objective ... Within TRB, the Cooperative Research Programs (CRP) is a group of applied research programs-such as ...

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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 Jul 4, 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.

How much does an engineering co-op pay?

Engineering co-op positions typically pay between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on the industry, location, and level of education. Compensation often increases with experience and may include additional benefits such as housing stipends or transportation allowances.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and data engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or specialized roles. High salaries are typically associated with industries requiring advanced technical expertise, certifications, and sometimes managerial responsibilities.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most cooperative engineers earn less than $200,000 annually, some senior or specialized engineers in high-demand industries, such as aerospace or petroleum engineering, can reach or exceed $500,000 with experience, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying sectors or leadership roles.

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.
More about Cooperative Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Cooperative Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.

El Paso, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job PurposeProvides technical support and engineering expertise for the effective execution of electric utility projects on the Fort Bliss and Laughlin Air Force Base privatized systems as well as the RGEC Native System. Oversee the development and implementation of electrical engineering related systems for a particular project.Duties and responsibilities
  • Project Management and Technical Improvement
    • Devote time to work on project management and technical improvement initiatives
    • Develop project work force estimates, project communications, budget development and monitoring, organizing deliverables, and setting project standards for delivery
    • Development of typical details, specifications, and drawing standards
    • Keep abreast of industry and technology changes and trends, accordingly and recommend variations in approach and services, as appropriate
    • Improvement of analytical processes and documentation, common solutions and critical solutions
    • Foster a commitment to external and internal client service
    • Assist in management of project permitting processes
  • Projects
    • Key workload devoted to engineering of projects, particularly large or complex projects (Microgrid, substation, renewable energy, distributed generation, etc.)
    • Assist in the project engineering of small to medium sized projects and assist Project Managers, from concept and schematic design through construction documents to construction and commissioning
    • Attend meetings and promote positive member contact with government personnel and cooperative members/potential members
    • Perform site assessments to document and evaluate existing systems for determining engineering strategies for extension, renovation or upgrade of electric facilities
    • Visit project sites during construction to assess quality, progress, and compliance with specifications and standards
    • Responsible for the quality and timely delivery of the projects to budget
    • Seek input from senior staff on technical matters to improve the overall project
  • Strategic
  • Looks for ways to improve electrical engineering design and design processes
  • Looks for new trends in electrical engineering design and how to apply them to projects
  • Cooperate and communicate with other project participants in collaborating with senior engineers to create more efficient project methods and to maintain the project's profitability
  • Participate in training programs for job knowledge and technical skills
  • Perform other duties as requested
  • Learn and comply with Cooperative’s safety rules and procedures
  • Ability to maintain confidential information
Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in engineering degree
  • 5 years project engineering experience, from design development to opening, with one completed high profile project included
  • Familiarity with electric utility regulation is preferred
  • Possess an understanding of tariff rates, power purchase contracts, and interconnection agreements
  • Experience with electric utility type projects in distribution (transformers, generators, motors, relays, etc.), transmission, large industrial and renewable energy
  • Experience with complex analysis tools for electrical design
  • Strong project management skills for the particular discipline
  • Able to work creatively to reach solutions to complex problems
  • Design review of medium and high voltage systems
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to work independently and with other department personnel on various projects and work assignments
  • Possess a valid Texas drivers’ license
  • Insurable with the Cooperative's auto insurance carrier
  • Possess oral and written communication skills in the English language
  • Possess good interpersonal skills including the ability to maintain a harmonious working relationship with all Cooperative employees
  • Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Working Conditions
  • To ensure all employees are provided with drug free and alcohol-free working conditions, pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable cause and random drug and alcohol tests are conducted on all employees
  • Work outside under various weather conditions
  • Subject to extensive travel, including multiple overnight stays
Physical Requirements
  • Must have sufficient health to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job
  • Requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of weights
  • Sitting/standing/walking/driving for extended periods of time
Direct Reports
  • n/a
 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. (RGEC) was organized in 1945 to enhance the quality of life for rural residents by providing electric service where none existed. Today, at over 35,000 square miles, RGEC has the largest service territory of any electric cooperative in the contiguous United States, serving 18 counties in Texas, and two counties in New Mexico. While it still serves rural areas, many metropolitan areas have expanded into RGEC’s territory, which now includes hospitals, schools, and urban housing developments.

The Cooperative was also selected by the military to be the electrical maintenance provider for Fort Bliss, El Paso, and Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio. RGEC maintains offices in Alpine, Brackettville, Carrizo Springs, Dell City, El Paso, and Fort Stockton, with the Brackettville office serving as corporate headquarters.

Mission

RGEC is committed to providing its members safe and reliable energy services through the efficient use of resources, highly skilled employees, and technology.

Motto

Empowering communities, enhancing lives.

Values & Vision

RGEC proudly serves members based on a foundation of integrity and excellence, while striving for the betterment of communities and quality of life for those in the region it is privileged to serve.

Seven Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership | Democratic Member Control | Members’ Economic Participation

Autonomy and Independence | Education, Training and Information | Cooperation Among Cooperatives | Concern for Community

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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