PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Code: 02794@ Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, in one or more branches of engineering, takes the lead and performs highly responsible field and office engineering work involved in the review, design, maintenance, and construction of structures and/or systems; in some jurisdictions, may supervise a staff conducting field and office engineering work; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Performs highly responsible field and office engineering work involved in the review, design, maintenance, and construction of highways, roads, streets, bridges, culverts, storm drainage systems, sanitary sewer systems, waste water treatment facilities, buildings, public grounds, mechanical systems, heating systems, cooling systems, electrical power delivery systems, electrical power generation systems, traffic control systems, interior/exterior lighting and wiring systems, water distribution/management or supply systems, environmental remediation systems and processes, and/or some other branch of engineering.
• Takes the lead in field and/or offices engineering work, assigns suitable work and gives professional guidance to subordinate staff in the performance of their work.
• Conducts investigations of conditions of facilities, structures and equipment as required.
• Estimates the quantities of required materials and costs of specific maintenance projects.
• Assigns and prioritizes various engineering projects.
• Takes the lead in the design/development, repair and maintenance of water management equipment and systems.
• Assists with flood control projects and maps out drainage systems for dealing with water flow.
• Devises solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control and remediation.
• Maintains plant operation and improvement projects.
• May supervise work operations and/or functional programs and have responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• May conduct field inspections of all outside public works and public utilities construction such as curbs, roads, culverts, water lines, sanitary sewer lines, sidewalks, and storm drain lines, pole lines, electric power lines, substations and generating stations.
• May prepare annual budget requests.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Drafts correspondence pertaining to engineering programs and activities.
• Maintains essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or relate unit.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical, Chemical or Electrical Engineering.

Experience

Three (3) years of related experience in civil, electrical, chemical or mechanical engineering.

License

Appointees may be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of engineering and the procedures involved in planning and designing engineering projects.
• Knowledge of engineering problems involved in the design, maintenance, and construction of structures and/or systems.
• Knowledge of engineering mathematics such as trigonometry and calculus.
• Ability to take the lead and give suitable assignments and guidance to subordinate employees. Ability to accurately estimate quantities and project costs.
• Ability to organize assigned technical engineering work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to inspect materials, workmanship, and construction and installation of various public works and/or utility facilities may be required.
• Ability to apply federal, state and local ordinances, resolutions, and codes relating to public works and/or public utilities to specific cases may be required.
• Ability to supervise work operations and/or functional programs and effectively recommend the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees may be required.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental and physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology (BSET) in a field related to Civil, Mechanical, Chemical or Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university having a curriculum approved by the Accreditation Board of Engineering Technology (ABET) may substitute for the above education requirement.

Possession of a Professional Engineers (PE) License issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the above education requirement.

A Master's degree in Civil, Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or a Master of Science in Engineering Technology (MSET) in a field related to Civil, Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Appointees may be required to possess a valid Professional Engineering (PE) license issued by the NJ State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, particularly for positions assuming 'responsible charge' over staff as defined by NJAC 13:40-1.3.