Principal Electrical Engineer – Aeronautical Systems

About the Role           

Join one of the most diverse and innovative transportation design teams in the nation.

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the infrastructure that moves millions?  At the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, we’re seeking a motivated Principal Electrical Engineer – Aeronautical Systems to join our Electrical Engineering unit, a team positioned within the Engineering/Architecture Design Division located at 4 WTC. 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.

Responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the Chief Electrical Engineer, the Principal Electrical Engineer – Aeronautical Systems will be responsible for professional electrical and aeronautical electrical engineering design and support services for Aviation facilities.  The successful candidate will direct, advise, perform, guide, and lead electrical design and support activities in the preparation and delivery of the Engineering Department's aeronautical focused workload in support of the Agency's capital projects and major work programs for a Facility in accordance with the Engineering Department's Quality Control Program and delivered in compliance with the approved schedule and budgets. Projects/programs include engineering studies, including reports and computations, and contract documents in accordance with the Agency’s project delivery process (i.e. Stages I to IV).  Specific responsibilities include: 

• Supervise and review the preparation of aeronautical focused Contract Documents consisting of drawings, technical specifications, construction cost estimates, and purchase orders.  Guide a team of electrical engineers in producing biddable and constructable Contract Documents to meet the requirements of the Client Department within time schedules and budgets.

• Review preliminary conceptual design work and planning for Capital Projects and Major Work Programs. Provide the Client Department with design alternatives and associated costs, for future planning and funding of projects.

• Review preliminary and detailed estimates, design criteria for new construction of aeronautical projects with medium-voltage and low-voltage systems and designs for the alteration of existing structures and utility systems. Evaluate and analyze power demand for systems/components, review criteria including tolerances, dimensions, shapes and sizes, and determine the properties required in materials and feasible construction methods.

• Provide guidance and direction in aeronautical 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 (electrical utility companies, manufacturer’s representatives, consulting engineers and contractors). Minimize disruption of normal facility operations.

• Ensure design services meet quality standards and Quality Control Program.

• Guide staff participation in field commissioning and testing, including startup and troubleshooting of aeronautical electrical systems. Ensure technical integrity, contract compliance safety, efficient operation, maintainability, and minimum downtime of the systems.

• Prepare or provide guidance to staff in the preparation of Scope of Work and design criteria for all aeronautical projects involving consultants.  Audit consultant’s design and progress. Ensure that consultant’s design conforms to Scope of Work, codes, P.A. Standards 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 aeronautical electrical design consultants for both federally and non-federally funded projects. Manage Call-In Consultants, Engineers and CAD personnel in the preparation of engineering drawings. Review the writing of specifications for material, equipment and construction methods 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 aeronautical electrical 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 tenant alteration work impacting aeronautical systems at P.A. Aviation facilities is compliant with the department design guidelines and designed in accordance with the most advanced technology available.

• Maintain knowledge of State-of-the-Art technology and equipment in all relevant areas, as indicated above, for aeronautical electrical systems.

• Provide effective guidance and supervision of technical staff assigned on aeronautical projects.  Recommend development plans, provide or recommend training for technical staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering college or university. 
• Minimum of twelve (12) years professional design experience in the aeronautical electrical systems specialty area on projects for Aviation facilities.
• Proficiency in preparing contract documents; drawings and technical specifications including power distribution one-lines, riser and interconnection diagrams, equipment layouts, plans, sections, details, etc.
• Knowledge of Aviation facilities infrastructure with experience in electrical design for airline terminals, substation design, underground power distribution systems, high and low voltage power distribution systems, aeronautical lighting and signage, constant current regulators with cable & conduit infrastructure and controls for aeronautical lighting and signs, electric motors and controls, lighting, fire alarm systems, and mechanical systems such as aviation fueling, HVAC, and pump houses.
• Proficiency in performing electrical calculations such as equipment sizing, short circuit and coordination studies, voltage drop, load studies, etc.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards such as the NEC and FAA circulars.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize as required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and prioritize multiple assignments with multiple disciplines.
• Proficient in the use of software applications, such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer’s License in the State of New York or State of New Jersey
• Working knowledge of guidelines and standards such, but not limited to, NFPA, Energy Conservation Code, ADA and OSHA requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in problem solving, negotiations and conflict resolution skills to effectively reach sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to demonstrate strong conceptualization, problem solving, and decision-making skills from experience in planning, directing, and managing both routine and complex transportation programs and projects.
• Excellent presentation skills including experience making presentations
• Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering college or university. 

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.​

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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:​

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

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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.