Port Authority of NY & NJ Careers

About the Role

Chief Electrical Engineer

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. This is a full-time position with an expectation of being in the office at least four days per week.

The Port Authority is seeking a seasoned electrical engineer to serve as its Chief Electrical Engineer, a key member of the Engineering Department. Reporting to the Office of the Chief of Design and working closely with the Office of the Chief Engineer, utility stakeholders and Agency’s Senior Executives, the Chief Electrical Engineer is responsible for directing all Electrical Engineering Services for the Port Authority’s Capital and Operating Programs, as well as operational support for the Aviation, Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals, PATH, WTC, and Port Departments, and serves as the Electrical Engineering subject matter expert, providing guidance and advisory services to senior staff.

The Port Authority electrical engineering unit provides engineering design services and prepares preliminary and final documents for innovative planning, design, construction, and operation of the most critical electrical and electronics assets within the Port Authority facilities.  The electrical engineering unit is part of a multidisciplinary group of engineers and other design professionals that form the Engineering Department of the Agency.

The electrical/electronics systems within the Port Authority facilities generally include:

• Medium and Low Voltage Substations and associated distribution system equipment
• Traction Power Systems
• Aeronautical Lighting Systems
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
• Fire Alarm Systems
• Outdoor/Indoor Lighting Systems
• CCTV, Security, Radio and Communication Systems

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for the Engineering Department on matters related to electrical and electronics design and systems and provide technical advisory services to senior executives.
• Direct conceptual, preliminary, and final design development and design services during construction for all electrical and electronics projects to ensure they are delivered within the established scope, budget, and schedule. 
• Manage resources and prioritize work assignments to deliver design documents
• Lead the production of high-quality, innovative, sustainable, resilient, reliable, and cost-effective designs, in compliance with applicable design guidelines, codes and standards that meet the established scope.
• Sign in-house developed Electrical engineering contract drawings
• Provide high-level technical audit on consultant-led projects
• Prepare standardized Contract Specifications, Standard Details, Electrical Design Guidelines and Tenant Construction Review Manuals
• Serve as the single point of contact for electrical utility companies in the region.
• Serve as the Chairman of the High-Tension Electrical Board for establishing the High-Tension Administrative Rules and for certifying high-tension electrical operators at Port Authority facilities.
• Manage and lead recruiting, hiring, training, performance, administration, promotions, and overall development and motivation of a staff of 40 or more permanent staff members.
• Lead the electrification efforts for the Authority by researching and recommending new sustainable technology and initiatives to meet the net-zero goals

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered eligible for this position:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Professional Engineer license in the States of New York and New Jersey
• A valid driver’s license.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in progressively more responsible positions in the field of Electrical engineering design, including high, medium, and low voltage power distribution systems, lighting systems, and communications and electronics systems design.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and prioritize multiple assignments with multiple disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in problem-solving, negotiations, and conflict resolution skills to effectively reach sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Experience managing a large full-service staff of at least 15 professionals and sub-professionals engaged in all various phases of Electrical engineering design, for transportation/public utility/state/municipal facilities.
• Demonstrated and working knowledge of Local, State, and Federal codes and standards.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work efficiently, independently (with direct reports), and prioritize, as required.
• Demonstrated experience in leading project teams in the preparation of engineering designs, including preparation of proposals, design coordination, schedule reporting, budget reporting, and briefing senior staff.
• Experience in preparing the scope of work and design criteria for all projects involving consultants and auditing of consultants’ design and progress.
• Valid driver’s license

Internal applicants must meet all performance and attendance standards and have completed all probationary periods.

Desired Qualifications

Ideal candidates will present the following profile:

• Master’s Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• Demonstrated experience in problem-solving, negotiations, and conflict resolution skills to effectively reach sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Thorough understanding of electrical utility company specifications and requirements.