Senior Engineer, Quality Associate

The Port Authority of NY & NJ; Jersey City (NJ); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking a senior fire protection auditor to oversee audits and inspections across major facilities, ensuring life-safety systems meet code requirements. You will lead field teams, prepare reports, and guide project close-outs for owners and tenants.

Applicants should have seven years of experience, familiarity with NFPA/IBC/US building codes, and a valid driver's license. This role supports remote work up to one day per week within a hybrid model.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with fire protection and life-safety design/inspection on commercial construction projects.
• Familiarity with IBC (NJ/NY/ NYC Editions), NYC Building Code, UCC, NFPA standards.
• Valid driver's license and ability to access active construction sites.
• Strong written/oral communication and team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead field audits on large-scale projects and post-construction inspections.
• Prepare and distribute inspection reports documenting non-conforming items.
• Provide written concurrence for Permit to Occupy or Use and Certificate of Completion.
• Audit field records and contract documents for Port Authority contracts and tenant projects.
• Manage close-out processes and timely issuance of time-sensitive documents.

Skills

Fire protection

Life-safety systems

Construction inspections

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering

PE/Architect license

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for auditing fire and life safety systems and installations for new construction projects within facilities that make up the Port Authority's portfolio, including but not limited to the World Trade Center Campus, the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln and Holland Tunnels and PATH. As part of the Fire Protection Unit, the candidate will be an integral part of ensuring code compliance and functionality of various types of fire and life safety systems, such as foam fire suppression systems, clean agent systems, fire pumps, deluge suppression systems, and complex fire alarms systems. The successful candidate will be exposed to several types of construction at varying facility types, such as airports, bus terminals, train stations, warehouses, and shipping ports.

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Chief, Quality Assurance Division, under the direct supervision of the Unit Manager, Construction Standards and Inspection Unit
• Serve in the capacity of a lead field auditor on large-scale projects and post-construction inspections.
• Perform construction field audits/inspections for Port Authority construction contracts, tenant construction projects, and post-construction inspections
• Upon completion of scheduled acceptance inspections and testing of life-safety systems, the candidate will be required to prepare/distribute inspection reports in a timely manner, documenting any non-conforming items identified
• Provide written concurrence for the completed work to recommend the issuance of a Permit to Occupy or Use and a Certificate of Completion for the Chief Engineer's signature
• Conduct audits of field records and contract documents, including Special Inspection Reports, for Port Authority contracts and tenant construction projects
• Conduct post-construction inspections of existing Port Authority assets on an annual basis and prepare/distribute inspection reports in a timely manner to all stakeholders.
• Directly involved in the close-out process leading to the issuance of time-sensitive documents.
• Supplementary departmental duties, as prescribed by the direct supervisor and/or manager, may be assigned based on departmental needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of experience with fire protection and life-safety systems as a designer, installer, and/or inspector on a variety of commercial construction projects
• Familiarity with various codes and regulations, including but not limited to IBC (NJ, NY, and NYC Editions), the NYC Building Code, the Uniform Construction Code, and NFPA
• Applicants must meet all agency mandated performance and attendance standards and must complete all applicable probationary periods
• Previous exposure to active construction site conditions, with the possibility of climbing high-level structures
• A Valid driver's license is required

Desired Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering from an accredited college or university
• Professional Engineering/Architectural License
• Fire Protection Certifications, such as but not limited to the following: NICET, NFPA, ICC, or local jurisdictional licensing
• Proficiency and effectiveness in written and oral communication skills
• Experience working in a team environment, with various types of stakeholders
• Proficient in using various types of computer programs, such as Microsoft Enterprise software, and other PC-related tasks

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 Requirement

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.

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: $110,474 Midpoint: $143,613 Maximum: $176,748

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.