Principal Electrical Engineer – Electronics

About the Role

At the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, we’re seeking a motivated Principal Electrical Engineer – Electronics to join our Electrical Engineering design unit, a team positioned within the Engineering/Architecture Design Division located at 4WTC. This group supports planning and design for a wide range of transportation assets, including airports, ports, ferries, tunnels, bridges, rail systems, and bus terminals.  The electrical design group 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.

Reporting to the Chief Electrical Engineer, the Principal Electrical Engineer – Electronics will be responsible for electronic and communication system design services for Port Authority facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for directing, advising, performing, guiding and leading electronics, communication, and radio system design activities, managing resources to achieve goals, and prioritizing work assignments to deliver projects within the established scope, budget, and schedule.

Electronics and Communications systems are stand-alone or integrations of multiple systems deployed via networked architectures. Systems generally include:

• Integrated Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Surveillance Systems
• Integrated Security Systems including Access Control and Intrusion Detection
• Analog Communications including copper and fiber optic cabling
• Digital Communications with various networking and other protocols, Public Address Systems, Visual Paging Systems
• Alarm Monitoring and Control Systems.

Radio Systems include:

• Land/Mobile two-way Radio Systems 
• Emergency Responder Radio Communications Systems (ERRCS) (also known as In-Building Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)  
• Radio Dispatch Console Systems 
• Simulcast Radio Systems 
• Digital Trunked Radio Systems 
• Microwave Radio Communication Systems 
• Commercial and unlicensed Wireless Communication Systems.   

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and review the preparation of Contract Documents for design-bid-build (DBB) contracts, consisting of drawings, technical specifications, and construction cost estimates. Lead teams of electronic engineers in producing biddable and constructible Contract Documents to meet the requirements of the Client Department within established scope, schedule and budget.

• Supervise 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. Lead electronic engineers in producing biddable RFP documents to meet the requirements of the Client Department within established scope, schedule and budget.
• Supervise and review preliminary conceptual design work and planning documents for Capital Projects and Major Work Programs. Provide the Client Department with design alternatives and associated cost for future planning and funding of projects. 

• Review preliminary and detailed cost estimates and schedules, design criteria for new construction of electronic and communication projects, and designs for the alteration of existing electronic and communication systems and communication infrastructure. Review criteria including communication protocols, 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 analysis and associated economic studies and make recommendations. Ensure technical integrity, safety, efficient operation, maintainability, and sound economics of the projects.

• Ensure that projects are coordinated with other disciplines, Line Department facilities and outside entities (manufacturer’s representatives, utilities consulting engineers and contractors). Minimize disruption of normal facility operations.

• Manage staff to ensure design services meet quality standards and Quality Control Program
• Manage staff participation in the witnessing of system acceptance testing and field commissioning, including startup and troubleshooting of Electrical/Electronic systems. Ensure technical integrity, code and standards compliance, efficient operation, maintainability, and minimum downtime of the systems.

• Manage Call-In Consultant Agreements
• Supervise and direct staff in the preparation of Scopes of Work and design criteria for all projects involving consultants.  Audit consultant’s 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.

• Develop Design Criteria and design guidelines for electronic design consultants for all projects. Manage Call-In Consultants, Engineers and CAD personnel in the preparation of engineering drawings, specifications, and estimates. Review the writing of specifications for material, equipment and construction methods and conformance to codes and standards. Investigate and make recommendations on the type, terms and conditions of construction contracts.

• Act as the primary contact with the Line Department and provide expert advice on infrastructure needs, and capital and operating programs development.
• Confer with facility personnel and other departments on suggested revisions in contract provisions and material specifications and incorporate improvements in final contracts.  Provide guidance and direction in answering questions of bidders regarding contract provisions.  

• Ensure that Port Authority facilities are designed in accordance with the most advanced technology available.

• Maintain knowledge of current technology and equipment in all relevant areas, as indicated above, for electronic and communication systems.

• Provide effective guidance and supervision to assigned staff.  Review staff, implement development plans, and provide or arrange training of assigned staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering with sufficient exposure to Industrial Electronics and Communications Systems

• A minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in professional engineering design and support services with focus on electronic and communication systems design and technical specification writing for commercial and industrial facilities.

• Licensed Professional Engineer in the States of New York and/or New Jersey

• Demonstrated and working knowledge of electrical codes and standards.

• 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.

• Demonstrated design experience must include projects with multiple systems with networked architectures, Integrated CCTV Surveillance, Integrated Security including Access Control and Intrusion Detection, Analog Communications including copper and/or fiber optic infrastructure, Digital communications with various networking and other protocols, Alarm Monitoring and Control systems and Radio Systems. Relevant reliability and sizing calculations, preparation of contract documents including drawings, specifications and construction estimates.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize as required. Proficient in the use of software applications, such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.

• Valid driver’s license

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related engineering field

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 & On-Site Collaboration Requirements: 

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement. Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is:

Minimum: $135,018   Midpoint: $175,530   Maximum: $216,034

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In-person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required based on business needs.