Senior Project Principal Engineer

About the Role

Join one of the most diverse and innovative engineering design team with multiple specialties within the transportation sector. The Port Authority’s airports, ports, ferries, tunnels, bridges, bus terminals and rail transportation systems are important transportation links in the region. The Senior Project Principal (SPP) is part of the Senior Design Executive group within the Engineering/Architecture Design Division, part of larger a multi-discipline group of engineers and other design professionals that form the Engineering Department of the Agency.

Work location - 4 WTC/Design Division

Reporting to a Senior Design Executive (SDE) and working closely with the office of the Chief of Design, the SPP is responsible to lead, manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary design delivery teams comprised of Port Authority employees, consultants or both, for all assigned capital and operating projects spanning various stages of planning, design development and construction.  Projects include major infrastructure capital projects at Port Authority facilities including Airports, Tunnels, Bridges, Bus Terminals, Marine Ports, Ferries, Rail Transit and Trade Center as well as crucial State of Good repair and Operating projects.

The portfolio includes multi-billion dollar in active and planned design and construction projects. The SPP serves as the main Engineering/Architecture Design Division (E/ADD) point of contact accountable for their assigned projects. The SPP will work collaboratively with the Senior Engineer of Projects (SrEOP) / Engineer of Projects (EOP) and Resident Engineer (RE), as well as in-house Architecture/Engineering discipline Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) throughout the project lifecycle.  The position plays critical roles in both Consultant Architect/Engineer of Record (A/EOR) oversight as well as in-house design coordination.  For A/EOR oversight, the SPP functions as the Agreement Project Manager (APM), responsible for managing the cost, quality and timely delivery for all work products generated via an Agreement.  This SDE group will also be driving consultant accountability with the development of supporting policy and procedures associated with the oversight of A/EORs.

Responsibilities

For all project delivery methods:

• Oversee the development of project scope of work, schedule and Design Division services budget for approval.
• Delivery of coordinated design packages during various design stages in accordance with the approved project scope, schedule and budget.
• Responsible for productivity and efficiency of the design team throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage consultant design services and audit services by Port Authority staff of design deliverables including conceptual design, final design drawings, specifications, calculations and studies performed by consultants.
• Manage the work of one or more in-house/consultant staff in the daily oversight of active design production and delivery services

For Design Bid Build projects:

• Responsible for coordinating multidisciplinary work to ensure the prevention of design and contract document coordination issues, including conflicts, interferences, and errors/omissions.
• Responsible for design team efforts to finalize, compile and issue bid documents, complete the QA/QC process and successfully obtain required signatures, approvals and permits.
• Responsible for assuring appropriate and responsive design team support services throughout Stage IV construction, including participation in meetings and site visits, timely RFI responses and submittal reviews, and preparation of PACCs when necessary.

For Alternate Delivery projects:

• Oversee the coordination of technical aspects of the Design-Build solicitation documents, including preparation of compliant technical documents to support the development of a Basis of Design.
• Perform ongoing monitoring and oversight of the technical design team, facilitating the expedited review and audit of design submissions, shop drawings and submittals, providing timely responses to Requests for Information.
• As necessary, manage the work of the Project Principals and technical design team to ensure prescribed workflow strategies are being executed when processing submittals and Requests for Information.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Architecture from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed to practice Engineering or Architecture in New York or New Jersey.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in progressively more responsible positions managing a multidisciplinary team in delivering the design of transportation projects, including experience as a Lead Engineer/Architect.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing a diverse workforce with varying work backgrounds, expertise and levels.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and navigate a complex organizational structure
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to be persuasive with staff at all levels.
• Valid driver’s license
• Internal applicants must meet performance and attendance standards and have completed all probationary periods.  Applicant’s attendance and job performance records will be reviewed in accordance with Port Authority policy

Desired Qualifications

• Licensed to practice Engineering or Architecture in New York and New Jersey.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing project plans, setting priorities, coordinating activities, handling multiple tasks simultaneously and delegating tasks and responsibilities that are multi-faceted and complex.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Revit, Primavera P6, SharePoint, eBuilder, SAP, Bluebeam Revu, PDPS and WinTrak.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and experience in problem solving, negotiation and conflict resolution
• Experience managing a large full-service, multi-discipline technical project team engaged in all phases of engineering design for transportation facilities
• Rapid adaptability to new information, continuous improvement, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; and track record of acting decisively and effectively under pressure
• Result-oriented, with a strong customer focus
• Thorough knowledge of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Engineering’s project delivery process including design and construction management, construction cost estimating and project budgeting and scheduling processes
• Demonstrated experience with alternative procurement strategies
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes and laws governing design in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey region
• Experience as a supervisor overseeing the day-to-day performance of two or more direct reports

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

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