Assistant Project Manager – Transmission & Distribution Program Support

Location: Akron, OH; Reading, PA; or Morristown, NJJob Type: Full-TimeExperience Level: 3+ yearsAbout UsCARIAN is a purpose-driven, woman-owned consulting and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the power sector. We partner with leading electric and gas utilities to provide strategic advisory and disciplined execution across program management, business intelligence, and field execution oversight. Guided by integrity, trust, excellence, and accountability, our team helps deliver complex capital programs and build the resilient energy infrastructure that communities depend on.Position OverviewCARIAN is seeking an Assistant Project Manager to support a major electric utility transmission and distribution program. This role will support project managers and program leadership with project coordination, documentation, reporting, schedule and cost tracking, contractor coordination, and project closeout activities.The ideal candidate has experience supporting utility, infrastructure, engineering, construction, project controls, or capital project environments and is comfortable working with project managers, engineers, contractors, client stakeholders, and cross-functional delivery teams.This is a hands-on project support role requiring strong organization, communication, follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced utility program environment.This role may be based in Akron, OH; Reading, PA; or Morristown, NJ, with occasional client site visits as needed.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport project managers in the planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout of transmission and distribution projects.Assist with project coordination across engineering, permitting, procurement, construction, project controls, and client stakeholders.Track project action items, deliverables, milestones, risks, issues, and documentation requirements.Support project controls activities, including cost tracking, schedule updates, budget reporting, cash flow forecasting, and progress reporting.Assist with the preparation of internal and client-facing project reports, dashboards, meeting materials, and status updates.Coordinate project documentation, including submittals, requests for information, design updates, drawing logs, meeting minutes, and closeout packages.Support contract administration activities, including invoice review support, change order tracking, field change documentation, and contractor coordination.Help monitor contractor progress and support communication between project teams, contractors, engineers, and client representatives.Maintain organized project files, logs, trackers, and reporting tools to support project visibility and accountability.Participate in project meetings and support follow-up on decisions, commitments, and open items.Support compliance with client procedures, project governance requirements, safety expectations, and documentation standards.Assist with project closeout, including final documentation, lessons learned, punch list tracking, and turnover packages.Perform occasional client site visits as needed to support project coordination and delivery.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Project Management, or a related field required.3+ years of experience supporting utility, infrastructure, engineering, construction, project controls, or capital project delivery environments.Experience with electric transmission, distribution, substation, utility, or energy infrastructure projects preferred.Strong understanding of project coordination, documentation management, reporting, cost tracking, scheduling support, and stakeholder communication.Ability to support project managers across multiple active projects and priorities.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.Experience with project management, scheduling, document control, or reporting tools preferred.Ability to work collaboratively with clients, project managers, engineers, contractors, field teams, and internal stakeholders.PMP, CAPM, or similar project management certification is a plus.Utility client or consulting experience is a plus.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing project needs.Why CARIANPurpose-driven work – Help deliver infrastructure that powers communitiesIndustry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and resultsCareer growth – Opportunities to support major grid modernization programs and expand technical leadership capabilitiesCollaborative culture – Join a team that values delivery excellence and long-term relationshipsCompetitive total rewards – Strong compensation, full benefits, 401(k) match, and meaningful workEqual Employment OpportunityCARIAN is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire and develop talent based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. As a women-owned firm dedicated to the power sector, we are committed to building a team that reflects professionalism, expertise, and integrity at every level.