Principal Architect

About the role

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state public agency operating some of the busiest and most important transportation links in the New York/New Jersey region. Port Authority architects work on a wide range of projects within the general context of transportation and infrastructure, including airports, ferries, tunnels, bridges, and bus and rail terminals. The in-house architectural team is committed to quality and efficiency to serve the design needs of the agency. The architectural unit is part of a multi-discipline group of engineers and other design professionals that form the Engineering Department of the agency.

The Port Authority is seeking to fill a position of Principal Architect in the Engineering Department’s Design Division, located at 4WTC, 19th floor.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple projects within an assigned program management group, which may include multiple public design, state of good repair, and/or large redevelopment projects.
• Implement architectural vision, conceptual direction, and the quality of design established by the Chief Architect for architectural projects/programs.
• Assign projects to designers and project architects and manage their efforts.
• Evaluate the performance of assigned permanent and consultant staff and provide performance management through counsel regarding training and professional development.
• Responsible for the initial approval of project proposals, including budgets and schedules developed by staff prior to their submission to the Office of the Chief Architect.
• Responsible for technical verification of project design, including meeting designated codes and standards and life safety requirements.
• Ensure that contract drawings are complete, biddable, and ready for signature.
• Interface with various program/project managers and resolve all QA/QC issues.
• Represent the Office of the Chief Architect to internal and external constituencies as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of a four-year degree from an architectural program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
• A license to practice architecture in NY or NJ; an ability to achieve licensure in both states within six months of selection for the position.
• Fifteen or more years of experience in the field of transportation planning and architecture, personally developing programs and projects that may include airports, rail transit, bus terminals, ferry terminals, vehicular tunnels and toll plazas, open public space, and non-public facilities that support the public infrastructure.
• Experience managing a staff of at least four architects in the production of transportation programs and projects through all phases of design and construction inspection.
• Strong conceptualization, problem solving, technical competency, and decision-making skills as evidenced from experience in directing planning, conceptual design, design development, and contract documents of large and small-scale transportation programs and projects.
• Team-building and resource management proficiency that requires skill in persuasion and negotiation of critical issues.
• Working knowledge of all codes and laws applicable to public space planning and design in order to properly manage and develop contract documents for signature by the Chief Architect.
• Familiarity with the Agency’s Sustainable Building Design and Infrastructure Guidelines and/or LEED.
• Superior oral and written communication and presentation skills.

Desired Qualifications

• A professional five-year or three-year master’s degree in architecture from an accredited university or college.
• Architectural licenses in both the states of New York and New Jersey.
• Experience managing projects produced with BIM software.
• LEED Accreditation.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this role is:

• Minimum: $106,392
• Midpoint: $138,297
• Maximum: $170,222