Engineering Contract Manager (Administrator III)

Maryland Department of Transportation; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework schedule

Windowed office on the 16th floor at W

Boot program with replacement

Continued training and education

Tuition reimbursement and No Cost No-D

Job summary

Maryland Port Administration (MPA) seeks a Contract Manager to oversee engineering, construction, and professional service contracts for capital improvements and system preservation projects in Baltimore. You will partner with engineers, procurement and legal teams to ensure compliance and effective contract administration.

The role emphasizes budget monitoring, process improvements, and stakeholder collaboration, with a hybrid work option and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Six years of experience in administrative staff or professional work.
• At least three years of professional experience in contract administration, procurement, or financial management within engineering, construction, transportation, public infrastructure, or a related field.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and (preferred) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage engineering, construction, and professional service contracts.
• Oversee project proposal reviews and ensure compliance with terms, finance, audits and standards.
• Coordinate contract requirements including staff changes, rate adjustments, codes, MBE goals, rosters and subcontracting.
• Manage invoice reviews and ensure compliance with terms and regulations.
• Evaluate market trends to support contract strategy development.

Skills

Contract administration

Procurement

Financial management

Engineering context

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

**STATE PROMOTIONAL **

(This recruitment is open to current State of Maryland employees only.)

This is a position specific recruitment. The resulting list of eligible candidates will be used to fill this Maryland Port Administration (MPA) position/function only. All interested persons will need to re-apply for any future recruitments conducted in this classification.

This position is located at the World Trade Center in Baltimore City, MD

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) is a 203‑employee transportation business unit within the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and is the public face of the Port of Baltimore. MPA was created by the Maryland General Assembly to increase waterborne commerce through the ports in the state. The Port of Baltimore plays an integral role as a economic generator and job creator, in addition to maintaining our nation's supply chain and moving vital goods to industries and consumers. As one of the nation's top ports for total cargo tonnage and overall dollar value of cargo, the Port of Baltimore is also one of the most diverse ports in the United States with over 140,000 jobs in Maryland linked to port activity.

For information on MPA, please go to: MPA (maryland.gov)

General Role Description:

Join a dynamic team driving capital improvements and system preservation projects at the Maryland Port Administration. MPA is seeking an organized, professional, and detail oriented team player to provide vital support to the MPA Engineering Department. This is a fast paced position (you won't be bored!) where you work with and consult with licensed engineers, support staff and finance/procurement experts to meet the engineering department's objectives. This position is responsible for overseeing contract market research, monitoring consultant performance, tracking budgets, and ensuring compliance. The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership by taking initiative, exercising sound judgement, following through on commitments, and improving contract management practices. Additionally, the Engineering Contract Manager serves as the department's contract management expert, guides MPA stakeholders through procedures, and provides training to enhance consistency and accountability.

Some essential duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Administer and manage engineering, construction, and professional service contracts supporting capital improvement and system preservation projects.
• Oversee project proposal reviews, approvals, and ensure compliance with contractual terms, finance, audits, and engineering standards.
• Coordinate contract requirements, including staff changes, rate adjustments, commodity codes, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) goals, rosters, and subcontracting compliance.
• Manage invoice reviews and approvals, ensuring compliance with contract terms, Maryland Port Administration (MPA) procedures, and Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).
• Evaluate market trends, vendor capabilities, pricing structures, and industry conditions to support informed contract strategy development.

• Develop and manage capital project spending and funding requests, and perform cash flow projections.
• Monitor project budgets and expenditures, manage funding availability, and prepare and track funding authorisations.
• Provide accurate forecasting of capital project cash flow and executive-level reporting related to capital program performance.
• Conceptualize and implement process improvements and technological solutions to enhance office efficiency and product quality.
• Maintain frequent contact with engineering directors, project managers, procurement and legal teams, consultants, contractors, and other MPA offices.
• Support efficient contract administration processes through collaboration and communication.

This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of Engineering and Business Technology.

MDOT offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn more about our amazing benefits here: MDOT Benefits-MDOT

Additionally, employees in this MPA position receive the following:

• A hybrid telework schedule that is considerate of work-life balance.
• A windowed office on the 16th floor of the World Trade Center with a great view.
• A selection of high-quality boots is provided with no out-of-pocket cost from the employee and continue to be covered for replacement once per year (the employee may choose to pay for boots outside of the covered options).
• Continued training and development is provided by the MPA.
• Tuition reimbursement and No Cost No Debt Program for education is available per TSHRS policy and MPA directives and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Six years of experience in administrative staff or professional work.

Selective Qualification: At least three (3) years of professional experience in contract administration, procurement, or financial management within engineering, construction, transportation, public infrastructure, or a closely related field. Experience should include responsibilities such as reviewing contract documents or invoices, monitoring project budgets and expenditures, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations (such as COMAR), coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and/or supporting funding or cash-flow analyses.

*Selective Qualification recruitments are utilized when the position requires specific or additional bona fide occupational qualifications (knowledge, skill, or ability). No substitution is allowed for a selective qualification.*

Notes:

• 1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.
• 2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.
• 3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.
• 4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policies, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Certification and Licensing:

• 1. Employees in this classification are assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. All applicants MUST list their driver's license number and expiration date on the application.
• 2. Employees in this classification will be required to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to gain unescorted access to Maryland Port Administration facilities.

MDOT Contract Management Certification is preferred but not required!

Application Process:

All applications must be received by 10/12/2026.

Please be advised that the State of Maryland is dedicated to a drug free workplace, and as a result, employees are subject to the State's Substance Abuse Policy to include possible drug testing. Selected candidate(s) may be subject to background and reference checks.

The incumbent in this position may choose to be a member of a collective bargaining unit.

For education obtained outside the U.S., at the time of application you are required to provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation. This must be submitted as an attachment with the application of the position in which you are applying.

The MPA is not sponsoring new employees in the application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa at this time due to budgetary constraints. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Federal Regulations prohibit H-1B Visa candidates from paying sponsorship fees, all sponsorship fees must be assumed by the potential employer.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. MPA does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity, or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, or sexual orientation.

MDOT has various careers for people of all experiences, backgrounds, and abilities who come together to contribute to one mission - connecting our customers to life's opportunities. Join us in serving our Maryland residents, visitors, and businesses.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be provided upon request. Appropriate auxiliary aides and services for qualified individuals with disability will be provided upon request. Please notify us in advance. MR Relay Service Number 1-800-735-2258 (TYY Number: 711). Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ISSUE DATE: 9/28/26