Principal Engineer, Forensic Engineering

The NYC Department of Buildings is responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties by enforcing the NYC Construction Codes, Energy Code and Zoning Resolution. We facilitate compliant development with integrity, efficiency and professionalism. We are committed to becoming a premier municipal building organization, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers and making our city safer. We are committed to improving our performance and developing procedures that are streamlined, understandable and transparent.

The primary role of DOB’s Forensic Engineering unit (FEU) is to ensure safety to the public within the five boroughs of New York City. The unit responds to referrals and emergencies involving complex engineering and construction problems with unsafe, collapsed, leaning, fire damaged, or otherwise structurally compromised buildings and structures, also addressing issues of egress, zoning, and occupancy.

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of the Forensic Engineering Unit, the Principal Engineer will:

- Closely coordinate with management, inspectors and other specialized units within the Department and other city agencies regarding the safety of compromised structures and take appropriate remedial actions.
- Respond to emergencies/incidents, as needed, 24/7. Assignments may require Emergency Response or similar, out of state and may necessitate more than one day on site.
- Perform in depth review of structural plans and advising on engineering issues during the construction of large or small, technically complex projects and existing buildings.
- Prepare a list of objections in accordance with Construction Code, Zoning Resolution and other rules, regulations, and legislation as they apply to the legality of proposed building construction, alteration, or repair.
- Make recommendations for implementing technical initiatives.
- Perform plan review for a wide variety of building projects and temporary construction equipment in 2D, 3D, paper, and electronic formats.
- Meet with owners, Engineer of Record, and permitted licensed General Contractors to review project status and review compliance with building codes, laws, rules, bulletins, and enforcement initiatives for application approvals and permits.
- Coordinate with other federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and other New York City agencies.
- Represent the Department as expert and fact witness on technical and policy related matters in various legal proceedings, court proceedings, depositions, and ECB court hearings.
- Participate in industry outreach meetings and presentations for awareness and feedback related to the Investigative Engineering/Forensic Engineering portfolio.
- Work with the Assistant Commissioner of Existing Buildings Compliance (EBC), Technical Affairs, and other Department professionals to ensure the Construction Codes are in keeping with modern day construction practices.
- Perform audits of design documents, operations at construction sites and test reports submitted by Special Inspectors, Architects/Engineers of Record, owners, and Special Inspection laboratories.
- Act as a technical resource on historic construction, concrete, steel, wood, masonry, and temporary support systems as well as related issues for public and the Department Technical and inspectorial staff.
- Provide interpretations of the NYC Construction Codes and other applicable laws, rules, regulations including historic codes.
- Assist the Office of Technical Affairs and Code Development with NYC Construction Code revisions related to historic construction, structural and foundation provisions.
- Prepare reports for the EBC executive staff to assist in enforcement actions.
- Issue violations and commissioners orders to design consultants, licensed professionals, special inspectors, owners, and active construction sites.
- Assist with the resolution of SWO's, design errors, construction errors, and deficient engineering designs.
- Assist with the resolution of shoring, bracing, and demolition options on emergency projects, construction errors, and deficient engineering designs.
- Attend work hours and off hours training seminars.
- Assist with data analysis and determining trends as it relates to existing buildings.
- Support Existing Buildings Compliance cross training, incident support, special assignments, and project management.

CIVIL ENGINEER - 20215

(1) Four (4) years of full-time, satisfactory experience in civil engineering work; and
(2) A valid New York State Professional Engineer’s License. Current New York State registration as a Professional Engineer must be maintained for the duration of your employment.

A masters degree in civil engineering from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) may be substituted for one year of the civil engineering experience required in “1" above.
Special Note:
In addition to above qualification requirements, to be eligible for placement in Assignment Levels II and III, individuals must have at least one year within the last three years of experience as a major contributor or a project leader on a complex project requiring additional and specific expertise in the disciplines needed to design or construct the project.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.