Project Engineer

At Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT), the Project Engineer will manage projects including the planning, coordination, and execution of marine infrastructure and facility improvement projects within the terminal.

This role will assist with waterfront improvements, heavy civil construction, paving and drainage upgrades, utility work, building repairs, and general facility maintenance initiatives. The Project Engineer will work in a hands-on capacity within an active marine terminal environment, supporting construction oversight, maintenance coordination, documentation, and contractor management to help ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and within budget and with minimal disruption to operations.

Essential Duties:

• Support execution of marine infrastructure projects including pavements, drainage systems, utilities, waterfront structures, foundations, and yard improvements.
• Assist with planning and coordination of facility repair, rehabilitation, and preventive maintenance initiatives for terminal buildings, gate facilities, maintenance shops, lighting systems, and utilities.
• Assist in preparing scopes of work, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Requests for Bids (RFBs) for engineering and construction services.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and internal departments during design and construction phases.
• Conduct routine field inspections to monitor construction progress, safety compliance, and quality of work.
• Assist in reviewing construction drawings, submittals, RFIs, and change order documentation.
• Track project schedules and assist in maintaining timelines aligned with terminal operations.
• Support tracking of project budgets and review contractor invoices for accuracy.
• Maintain organized project documentation including meeting minutes, logs, cost tracking spreadsheets, and status reports.
• Assist with environmental and permitting documentation as required for marine and facility projects.
• Coordinate construction and maintenance activities with terminal operations to minimize operational disruption.
• Participate in internal engineering and operations meetings and provide project updates.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Domestic Travel - Up to 25%

Financial Responsibility:

• Assist in preparing preliminary cost estimates for marine infrastructure and facility improvement projects.
• Track project expenses and maintain cost logs.
• Support review of contractor pay applications and change work orders.
• Provide reporting support for project financial status updates.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• No direct reports.
• Provides field coordination support to contractors and vendors under the direction of the Engineering leadership.

Physical Working Conditions:

• Move freely and safely around an operating marine terminal without assistance and climb equipment access ladders and stairways.
• Comfortable working near waterfront areas, heavy equipment, and active cargo operations.
• Tolerance for heights, including work on open gratings and elevated areas.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Internship or co-op experience in heavy civil, marine construction, industrial facilities, or utilities may be considered.
• Experience working in industrial or marine operational environments preferred.
• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Port Access Card issued by the NJ State Police.
• A valid Driver's License in good standing is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in construction, project engineering, facilities, infrastructure, or related field.
• Basic understanding of heavy civil, infrastructure, or industrial construction practices.
• Familiarity with facility maintenance processes and building systems is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and technical specifications.
• Understanding of construction safety standards and industrial site protocols.
• Familiarity with project scheduling tools (MS Project or similar).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar drafting platforms is a plus.
• Ability to work independently while supporting cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced marine terminal environment.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Ports America is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; national origin; sex (including pregnancy); sexual orientation; gender identity and/or expression; age; disability; genetic information, citizenship status; military service obligations or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

NJ PAY Transparency: $85k - $110k

Our dedicated team at Ports America will be pleased to address any specific inquiries or concerns you may have regarding the handling, protection, and security of your data. We are committed to ensuring the utmost privacy and confidentiality of your personal information and will gladly provide you with the necessary details to help you better understand our practices and protocols.