Project Engineer

About the Role

The World Trade Center Department operates and maintains all public space and infrastructure at the campus, while working closely with our stakeholders, tenants, and business partners, who run commercial and institutional portions of the campus.  The Department’s mission is to operate, maintain, and promote the WTC by leading cooperative efforts to enhance the public interests and experiences, by overseeing regulatory guidelines, and managing relationships through open communication and teamwork, preserving the WTC’s status as a landmark of international significance and world-class destination to be enjoyed by all.

The Project Engineer reports directly to a Senior Project Manager and/or Senior Program Manager within the Project Management Division of the World Trade Center Department. This role provides technical support throughout the entire project life cycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure. The Project Engineer will assist with the coordination of field engineering, design engineering, project management, construction management, and operations to ensure projects are delivered successfully, meeting quality, scope, schedule, and budget requirements for both operating and capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in Mechanical, Plumbing, Sprinkler, Electrical, Electronics, Security, Network Technology, Fiber Optics, Fire Alarm, Vertical Transportation, and Architectural systems.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to support Capital and Operating projects throughout all stages of design and development, ensuring adherence to project milestones, accuracy, quality, scope, schedule, and budget.
• Participate in project design team meetings, coordinating with the Engineering department, technology teams, facility operators, construction managers, and stakeholders to implement effective engineering solutions.
• Conduct Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) checks, perform scope gap analyses on conceptual and engineering studies, designs, cost estimates, contract drawings, and specifications, providing detailed feedback.
• Lead site surveys with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to identify technical risks and potential design or constructability issues early in the process.
• Support the construction phase by reviewing submittals and shop drawings to ensure the project scope is being executed per design drawings and specifications.
• Oversee the installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of equipment and systems, ensuring optimal performance before project turnover, typically outside regular business hours.
• Assist facility and operational staff in analyzing systems, equipment, processes, and procedures to identify opportunities for improvements in efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Conduct on-site evaluations and troubleshooting, providing effective solutions to minimize downtime for critical systems.
• Regularly prepare and present project status reports to supervisors and senior staff.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university.
  • In lieu of a degree seven (7) years of relevant experience will be considered. 

• At least five (5) years of experience in projects and programs related to high-rise commercial, transportation, retail, or large-scale development projects 

Desired Qualifications

• Understanding of Port Authority policies and procedures, particularly as they relate to project and construction management systems, and their impact on stakeholders.
• Institutional knowledge of the WTC complex, infrastructure and associated systems.
• Proven expertise in project life cycle management, engineering design, architecture, and construction, including project planning, prioritization, and integration of operational and security requirements.
• Proven experience coordinating design efforts and managing construction activities, leading technical discussions, and influencing project teams across various disciplines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously, applying risk management strategies to mitigate project risks.
• Strong independent work ethic with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management, organizational skills, and a quick learner with new systems and technologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with NYC building codes, national codes, IBC, NFPA, and electrical codes.

• Candidate must obtain a SWAC ID, with associated security clearances and NDA to obtain a WTC Site access badge, immediately upon hiring
• 10-hour OSHA safety certification is required and must be obtained upon hire.
• Participate in onsite system testing, and perform work activities outside regular business hours is required
• Candidate must be able to perform site surveys and oversee projects on construction sites.
• Candidate must be capable of scaling ladders, enter confined spaces, etc. as required.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Adobe Acrobat/Bluebeam, and ability to quickly adapt to Port Authority software and reporting systems.
• AutoCAD experience is a plus.

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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