2027 Engineering & Architecture Associates Program

The Engineering & Architecture Associates Program is a two-year rotational program at The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey open to Engineering and Architecture students who are receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree between September 2026 and May 2027.

About the role

During their first year, Associates rotate through different Engineering/Architecture disciplines and Port Authority facilities, including:

• George Washington Bridge
• Holland Tunnel
• JFK Airport
• LaGuardia Airport
• Lincoln Tunnel
• Newark Airport
• PATH
• World Trade Center

In their second year, Associates focus on the discipline they accepted an offer for. The program provides mentorship, professional development, training, networking, and facility tours. Associates are full-time, permanent employees with a yearly salary and benefits. After successful completion of the program, Associates remain permanent employees and are promoted to Associate Engineer/Architect.

As of 2026, there are close to 200 program alumni still working at the agency. Most Associates grow their careers within the Engineering Department, while others transition to roles in departments such as:

• Aviation
• Operations Services
• Major Capital Projects
• PATH
• Planning & Regional Development
• Port
• Sustainability
• Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals
• World Trade Center

The 2027 cohort is expected to start in early June.

About the Engineering Department

The Engineering Department designs, builds, and ensures the state of good repair for all critical infrastructure at Port Authority facilities. It consists of six divisions:

• Design: Provides high-quality and cost-effective engineering and architectural design services. Units include:
  • Architecture
  • Civil/Environmental
  • Contracts
  • Electrical
  • Mechanical
  • Resilient & Sustainable Design
  • Structural/Geotechnical
  • Traffic
• Construction Management: Ensures construction contracts are completed according to specifications, budgets, and schedules while coordinating with active facility operations. Includes the Materials unit, which performs quality acceptance testing and inspection of construction materials (e.g., asphalt, concrete, structural steel, soils) and operates four laboratories for testing.
• Engineering Operations: Manages internal processes to meet Port Authority’s priorities, leverage best practices, and ensure compliance with ethical standards.
• Project Delivery: Works with Line Departments to set project schedules and budgets, track delivery, and support State-of-Good-Repair prioritization efforts.
• Quality Assurance: Conducts inspections, reports on building/structure conditions, provides repair recommendations, and ensures code compliance for all designs and construction.
• Enterprise Asset Management: Creates a platform to align infrastructure management policies, processes, and systems across the enterprise.

Rotations

Before entering the program, Associates accept an offer for a specific discipline. Recent disciplines include:

• Architecture
• Civil/Environmental Design
• Construction Management
• Electrical Design
• Enterprise Asset Management
• Materials
• Mechanical Design
• Operations
• Project Delivery
• Structural/Geotechnical Design
• Traffic Design

Each discipline has a Chief who selects rotations based on the discipline’s needs and the Associate’s interests. Rotations range from 6 to 9, with each lasting 4 to 16 weeks.

Requirements

• Students receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, Project Management, or a related discipline between September 2026 and May 2027.
• Passion for public service and interest in public transportation.
• Previous Engineering/Architecture internship(s) preferred.
• Openness to rotating through different disciplines and facilities (home address considered for rotations).
• A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hiring.
• For Engineering applicants: Passing result on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or plans to take it.
• For Architecture applicants: A portfolio (drawings, designs, projects, models, etc.).

Recruitment Timeline

The application deadline is November 1, 2026. Interviews will likely start in November 2026 and may continue into January 2027. The timeline is subject to change.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this role is $76,622 to $87,126, depending on degree type, major, and internal factors.

Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

Schedule

This position permits remote work a maximum of one day per week. In-person collaboration is essential, and regular in-office or team collaboration days may be required based on business needs.