Senior Engineer, Quality Assurance

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Jersey City (NJ); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey seeks a senior professional to audit fire protection and life-safety systems across its diverse portfolio, including airports, tunnels, bridges, and transit facilities. You will lead field inspections, ensure code compliance, and prepare detailed reports after tests and inspections.

Applicants should have extensive experience with NFPA, IBC, and UCC provisions, plus relevant licenses and certifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of experience with fire protection and life-safety systems on commercial construction projects.
• Familiarity with IBC, NYC Building Code, UCC, NFPA and related regulations.
• Active construction site exposure with potential climbing of structures.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead field auditor on large-scale projects and post-construction inspections.
• Perform field audits/inspections for Port Authority contracts and tenant projects.
• Prepare and distribute inspection reports documenting non-conforming items.
• Provide written concurrence for permits to occupy/use and for Certificate of Completion.
• Audit field records and contract documents, including Special Inspection Reports.
• Conduct annual post-construction inspections and distribute reports to stakeholders.
• Partake in close-out processes leading to time-sensitive document issuance.

Skills

Fire protection experience

Life-safety systems

Code compliance

Field auditing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering

PE License

Fire protection certifications (NICET/NFPA/ICC)

Tools

Microsoft Office

PC software proficiency

Job description

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 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.

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.