Project Engineer I

Job Title:              Project Engineer I (Entry Level)

Reports to:          Planning and Development Engineering Manager

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under Departmental supervision, contributes to office and field engineering projects within MAA facilities’ Planning and Development Department; performs routine entry level project engineering work on company capital and major maintenance projects; may be assigned as a project engineer on a variety of assignments; applies engineering knowledge to the solution of design, maintenance, improvement and construction problems pertaining to the FAA regulatory processes relating airport infrastructure and codes application to tenant development.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Capable of completing Entry Level project engineering assignments requiring the use of professional judgment in developing solutions to problems and interpreting policies.  Supports planning of future infrastructure needs and work on major capital construction and/or tenant projects, from inception to completion.  Able to review, interpret and apply Federal Aviation Administration guidance and Advisory Circulars, as applicable to individual assignments. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participates as a team member in engineering planning for large capital construction projects, tenant improvement projects and major maintenance projects; supports conducting research for infrastructure and facilities requirements; checks historical airport facility records and design data; coordinates surveying, geotechnical and drafting to develop contract documents; helps facilitate reviews, support preparation of permitting documentation and incorporate FAA and ADEM Environmental guidance.
2. Performs construction takeoffs from concept and design drawings.  Cross-check construction cost estimates, contractor prepared schedules of values and ability to understand and evaluate constructed related invoicing and payment applications.  Contribute during value-engineering exercises provide suggestions for cost savings as related project design activities and construction documentation.
3. Assists in developing concept-level designs and the production of engineering plans and drawings; prepares sketches of plan layouts; prepares diagrams; assists in assembling bid packages; reviews non-standard building permit plans; performs data management; analyzes and performs routine to difficult engineering calculations.
4. Serves as an office engineer or assists on engineering project management work on maintenance and construction projects; documents design criteria and project schedules; serves in a supporting role between the project manager, contractors, consultants, tenants, utility companies and other government agencies; develops cost estimates and monitors project costs and progress; arranges and attends pre-design and pre-construction meetings; reviews material submittals; review field design changes and recommends change orders; assists in preparing engineering project budgets; prepares closing documents; reviews work orders; analyzes project alternatives; monitors completed projects in case of needed warranty work.
5. Monitors and reports to PM on the work performance of outside consultants and administers consultant contracts; prepares standard operating procedures and requests for proposals; evaluates proposals and proposed project schedules; prepares contract documents for bidding, including cost estimates and project schedules; supports the review of construction bids; reviews consultant designs and plans to ensure conformance with company plans and objectives.
6. Monitors work in progress, conducting regular and emergency site investigations and inspections, to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications and standards; analyzes data and results of instruments readings; review and prepares comments on Contractor and Consultant prepared inspection reports. 
7. Compiles and maintains project records and documents; maintains work order logs and ensures project documents are updated per contract requirements reflecting changes; while maintaining active project records.
8. Required to investigate tenant maintenance requests and communicate findings to Supervisor/PM.  Prepare reports related to findings, as directed/applicable. 
9. Assists in coordinating engineering projects with internal departments and external agencies; reviews and analyzes construction projects planned by other agencies for potential impact on company operations; prepares project data and information for company management and external governmental agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

1. Basic engineering theories, principles and practices of engineering design and construction.
2. Familiar with commonly used materials and equipment used in design, construction and maintenance of various engineering and airfield and capital works projects.
3. Knowledge of project engineering methods and practices for planning, estimating, budgeting, scheduling, monitoring performance and evaluating.
4. Administrative practices and policies related to project budget, personnel and management of project cost.
5. Federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations and processes.
6. Computer capabilities applicable to functional responsibilities.
7. Exhibit basic principles and practices of business communication.
8. Complete and thorough understanding of guidelines and requirements of project development, planning, design and construction per Federal Aviation Administration.

Ability to:

1. Review and understand routine engineering designs, plans, specifications and legal contracts.
2. Prepare engineering studies.
3. Perform technical research and evaluate alternatives and recommend or adopt effective courses of action.
4. Prepare reports, drawings, notes, correspondence and other written materials; perform accurate engineering calculations and project cost estimates.
5. Conduct, as directed, field and office research and engineering investigations.
6. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
7. Proficient in common Engineering office software applications. 
8. Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
9. Ability to develop and maintain professional business relationships. 
10. Understand, interpret, communicate and apply company policies and state and federal laws related to engineering design and construction.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the basic knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above.  Position requires graduation from an accredited four-year (4) college or university with a degree in engineering.  Ideal Candidate will have Civil Engineering degree.  Graduate level studies/degree and internship experience a plus.   Applicant must be or able to become familiar with all applicable guidance and FAA Advisory Circulars, encompassing planning, design and construction projects funded under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Passenger Facility Charges (PFC).

Requirements: Minimum of current registration as an E.I.T. under the requirements of the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BELS) and meet the requirement to obtain Professional Engineering License within four years of employment.

Applicant must be proficient in the following software/applications:

• AutoCAD/MicroStation 
• MS Project, P6, or other scheduling software
• Microsoft Office (MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook) and other common office software applications common to the engineering office environment.

Applicant must have valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Mobile Airport Authority vehicle insurance policy. 

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions is required of a position in this class.  Individuals with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation.  Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and dependent, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.

The starting salary for this position will be commensurate with experience, skills and qualifications.