Principal Architect

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; World Trade Center (NY); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Remote work up to 1 day/week

Job summary

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking a Principal Architect in the Engineering Department's Design Division, located at 4WTC, 19th floor. The role oversees multiple architectural projects and mentors staff while ensuring compliance with codes and life-safety standards.

The candidate will implement the Chief Architect's design direction, approve budgets, and lead performance management for a team of architects and consultants.

Qualifications

• A four-year degree in Architecture is required.
• License to practice Architecture in NY or NJ; ability to obtain licensure in both states within six months.
• Fifteen+ years in transportation planning and architecture, leading complex programs.
• Experience managing at least four architects in production of transportation projects.
• Strong conceptualization, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Team-building and resource-management proficiency for design teams.
• Familiarity with public space design codes, and LEED knowledge.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple projects within an assigned program, including public design and/or large redevelopment.
• Implement architectural vision and ensure design quality for projects/programs.
• Assign projects to designers and project architects and manage their efforts.
• Provide performance management and development guidance for staff.
• Ensure initial approval of proposals, budgets, and schedules.
• Conduct technical verification of design for codes and life safety requirements.
• Ensure contract drawings are complete, biddable, and ready for signature.
• Interface with program managers and resolve QA/QC issues.

Skills

Staff management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Architectural design

Education

Four-year degree in Architecture

License in NY or NJ (or can obtain in six months)

Tools

BIM software

Job description

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. The airports, ferries, tunnels, bridges, and bus and rail terminals form important transportation links in the region. Whether working on a major public project such as an airport terminal rehabilitation, or a support structure such as a firefighting facility, 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

• While working under the supervision of the Office of the Chief Architect, the applicant shall be responsible for managing multiple projects within an assigned program management group, that may include multiple public design, state of good repair, and/or large redevelopment project(s).
• The applicant will implement architectural vision, conceptual direction, and the quality of design established by Chief Architect for architectural projects/programs.
• The individual will assign projects to designers and project architects and manage their efforts.
• The applicant will evaluate the performance of assigned permanent and consultant staff and provide performance management through counsel regarding training and professional development.
• The individual shall be 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.
• The individual shall be responsible for technical verification of project design, including but not limited to meeting designated codes and standards and life safety requirements.
• The individual shall be responsible for ensuring that contract drawings are complete, biddable, and ready for signature.
• The applicant will interface with various program/project managers, shall be responsible for resolution of all QA/QC issues, and may be required to represent the Office of the Chief Architect to internal and external constituencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of a Four-year degree in Architecture.
• A license to practice Architecture in NY or NJ; an ability to achieve licensure in both states within six months of selection for position.
• Fifteen or more years of experience in the field of transportation planning and architecture, personally developing programs and projects that may include the following modes of transportation: 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.
• Teambuilding 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 Agency’s Sustainable Building Design and Infrastructure Guidelines and/or LEED.
• Superior oral and written communication, and presentation skills.

Desired Qualifications

• A Five-year professional degree (B. Arch.) or Master's degree in Architecture
• Architectural licenses in both the states of New York and New Jersey.
• Experience managing projects produced with BIM software.
• LEED Accreditation.

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.

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

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week, subject to operational and business needs.