Principal Mechanical Engineer

Description

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 Mechanical Engineering unit within the Engineering/Architecture Design Division serves a unique role within the Port Authority by providing engineering planning and design services throughout the Agency with close coordination with external and internal stakeholders.

Reporting to the Chief Mechanical Engineer, the Principal Mechanical Engineer, Plumbing & Fire Protection for the JFK Airport Redevelopment (JFKR) program will be primarily responsible for preparation of mechanical engineering (Plumbing/Fire Protection) studies, contract drawings, technical specifications, and construction cost estimates; evaluate project scopes, develop design criteria, budgets for design services, and design schedules; audit Plumbing/Fire Protection system designs performed by consultants; provide technical advice and assistance to facility and other Port Authority personnel; design coordination, status reporting, schedule reporting, budget reporting, and brief senior staff.

• Provide expert engineering advice, guidance and recommendations for the assigned facilities for plumbing and fire protection system needs.
• Prepare, provide oversight and review the preparation of Contract Documents for design-bid-build (DBB) contracts, consisting of drawings, technical specifications, and construction cost estimates.
• Produce biddable and constructible Contract Documents to meet the requirements of the JFKR program within established scope, schedule and budget.
• Prepare, provide oversight and review the preparation of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) documents for Design-Build (DB) contracts, including the Requirements and Provisions for Work (RPW), Conceptual Design Drawings, technical specifications, and cost estimates for design and construction.
• Provide JFKR program with design alternatives and associated cost, for planning and funding of future projects.
• Review preliminary and detailed cost estimates and schedules, design criteria for new construction of electrical projects, and designs for the alteration of existing electrical systems and infrastructure. Review criteria including tolerances, dimensions, shapes and sizes, and determine the properties required in materials and feasible construction methods.
• Provide guidance and direction in Engineering design, including technical analyses and associated economic studies and make recommendations.
• Ensure technical integrity, safety, efficient operation, maintainability and sound economics of the assigned projects.
• Ensure that projects are coordinated with other disciplines, facility operators and outside entities (manufacturer's representatives, utilities, consulting engineers and contractors).
• Manage staff to ensure design services meet quality standards and Quality Control Program
• Provide on-site support at JFK Airport, on as-needed basis (minimum one day per week)
• Prepare Scope of Work and design criteria for all projects involving consultants.
• Audit Design Build submissions for adherence with all applicable codes and standards and compliance with the final conformed Requirements and Provisions of Work.
• Audit call-in consultant design and work progress. Ensure that consultant's designs conform to their assigned Scope of Work, applicable codes, Port Authority Design Standards, are delivered on-time, and cost is kept within budget. Provide technical assistance to facilities. Designs must ensure safe and reliable operation of facilities.
• Act as the primary technical contact with the Line Department and provide expert advice on Plumbing and Fire Protection System needs.
• Evaluation of code compliance.
• Perform field surveys and inspection.

• Minimum of 10 years of professional engineering experience in mechanical engineering design of plumbing and fire protection systems for commercial and industrial buildings.
• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering college or university.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of New York or New Jersey.
• Experience supervising professional technical staff.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiations and conflict resolution skills to effectively reach sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and prioritize multiple assignments with multiple disciplines.
• Ability to demonstrate strong conceptualization, problem solving, and decision-making skills from experience in directing, and managing both routine and complex civil infrastructure programs and projects.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize as required.
• Effective oral, including experience in making presentations, and written communication skills commensurate with the supervisory responsibilities of the position.
• Working knowledge and experience with various codes including New York State, New York City, and New Jersey building codes as well as local codes and applicable NFPA standards.
• Valid driver's license.

• Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering college or university.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience overseeing planning and design of routine and large scale mechanical engineering projects.
• Experience in Plumbing and Fire Protection Systems design and their applications for transportation facilities.
• Proficient in the use of various computer programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Hydraulic Analysis.