Principal Engineer, Traffic Engineering

About the Role

Join one of the most diverse and innovative engineering design teams 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 Traffic Engineering unit within the Engineering/Architecture Design Division serves a unique role within the Port Authority by providing Traffic Engineering planning and design services throughout the Agency with close coordination with external stakeholders including Federal, State and local transportation agencies.

Reporting to a Senior Principal Engineer, Transportation Design & Technology, the Principal Engineer is responsible for managing traffic engineering design delivery for a portfolio of capital improvement projects. The Principal Engineer is responsible for technical development and production of traffic engineering design deliverables and services for all major development and State-of-Good Repair projects throughout the project phases, including planning and conceptual design, final design, construction services, and close out. The Principal Engineer will supervise technical staff, including Port Authority employees, on-site/extension of staff consultants, and consultant design teams as they prepare traffic engineering design deliverables, including signing and pavement marking layouts, conceptual/schematic layout, intersection layouts, geometric design, final contract drawings, specifications and cost estimates, and construction phase maintenance of traffic support.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor assigned staff to ensure appropriate development of technical and management skills and knowledge. Promote team spirit, creativity and professional development.
• Properly delegate work responsibility to assigned staff and ensure that staff time is used in an efficient manner. Ensure the production of complete, quality work that meets the customer's needs, and that all work reflects a rational decision-making process with a solid technical basis. Manage and audit design work and studies performed by consultants.
• Manage staff workload and identify additional staffing needs.
• Supervise the development of all technical work and ensure proper coordination with all appropriate internal and external stakeholders, and perform quality control review. Monitor work progress, especially schedules and budgets, and ensure that project delivery metrics are met. Anticipate problems and take preventive/corrective action.
• Serve as the point of contact with consultant firms performing work.
• Develop and maintain records of all project agreements, finances, reports and documents. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with major coursework in Civil/Transportation Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed to practice Engineering or Architecture in New York or New Jersey.
• A minimum of 10 years of design experience in the Traffic Engineering field.
  • Examples of relevant experience include traffic planning studies; geometric design; traffic safety studies; developing transportation management plans; traffic operations; sign systems, roadside safety features, and pavement marking design; preparation of contract drawings, technical specifications and cost estimates; construction traffic support and maintenance of traffic design.
• 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.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing a diverse workforce with varying work backgrounds, expertise, and levels.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills interacting with staff at all levels, supporting departments, consultants, and members of outside government and transportation agencies.
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with applying concepts from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), AASHTO Green Book, and AASHTO Roadside Design Guide.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• 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

• Master’s Degree in Transportation Planning and Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams on large scale, dynamic, and fast paced Projects and/or Redevelopment-type Programs.
• Certification as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Revit, Primavera P6, SharePoint, eBuilder, SAP, Bluebeam Revu, PDPS and WinTrak.
• 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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