Principal Contract Engineer

About the Role

Title: Principal Contract 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. The Engineering Contracts unit within the Engineering/Architecture Design Division serves a unique role within the Port Authority by providing expert coordination, review, development, and distribution of Engineering Construction contractual agreements.

Reporting to the Chief Contract Engineer,  the Principal Contract Engineer will be responsible for providing subject matter expertise on a variety of construction contract project delivery methods and for managing production and delivery of project manuals (contract books) as part of the contract documents for soliciting bids on capital construction projects and major work projects of a wide variety of cost and complexity for all Port Authority facilities. This is a full-time position with an expectation of being in the office at least four days per week.

Responsibilities

• Work with Chief Contract Engineer in assuring timely delivery and quality of final design construction contract documents
• Oversee PA-Wide reviews, including review all project manual related elements of the construction contract, in compliance with the Engineering Department's contract documents standards for construction contracts
• Direct preparation of and audit final construction contract books to ensure applicable contractual administrative, federal and technical requirements have been met, and ensure coordination with intended project
• Ensure deliverables meet established schedule and budget
• Provide contractual subject matter expert assistance to Engineering staff and other Agency departments to ensure consistency and quality of contract specifications during the design and bidding periods
• Assist with additions and updates to the Engineering Department's technical Specifications library
• Maintain, contribute to, and organize documentation of Contracts Unit processes, standards, policies and procedures to ensure clarity, uniformity and efficiency of processes and deliverables
• Ensure timely completion and accurate documentation of QA/QC process by Contracts Unit staff.  Perform internal quality audits, as prescribed
• Assist with ongoing maintenance and updates to Contracts Unit contract book standard provisions and templates
• Prepare contract books for specialized procurement methods, such as alternate bidding, design-build, multi-bid work order and Construction Manager/General Contractor, as well as grant funded contracts as required
• Manage resources and assign, track and balance staff workload
• Manage, supervise and train Contract Engineer staff and manage performance reviews
• Participate in recruitment and hiring of qualified staff
• Manage staffing of on-site consultants, including task order request preparation, candidate interviews and selection, training, supervision and invoice approvals

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Building Construction, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Over 12 years of experience in the preparation and review of engineering/architectural construction contract documents, including a minimum of 5 years preparing front-end contract documents for multidisciplinary capital projects over $5 million, and 2+ years supervising and mentoring junior staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge of construction contract terms and conditions clauses (sometimes referred to as the front end or general conditions of the contract) related to various solicitation and payment methods, contract administration requirements, grant-funding provisions, staging requirements and operational constraints required for the preparation of the contract book
• Demonstrated ability to manage and meet schedules and budgets for project deliverables
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative effectiveness, including demonstrated experience interacting with project stakeholders to achieve project success and client satisfaction, ability to give clear written and verbal direction, and demonstrated excellent technical writing skills in construction contract preparation
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, exercise independent judgment and reach sound conclusions for establishing and negotiating resolutions of contracts related issues
• Demonstrated leadership, reliability and achievement of results at increasing levels of responsibility.]

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design delivery process
• Demonstrated experience in developing and reviewing the technical and contractual aspects of preliminary and final design contract drawings and specifications
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite at an intermediate proficiency, especially Word, and ability to quickly learn and become adept with all Contracts Unit related software
• Familiarity with Authority or other public agency procurement practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of technical specifications and Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) 3-part specification format.  Possession of CSI - CDT, CCCA and/or CCS certification

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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