Senior Engineering Auditor

As a Senior Engineering Auditor at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), your primary responsibilities would include conducting comprehensive reviews of large and complex construction projects. This involves performing field visits to evaluate work quality, ensuring compliance with contract specifications, and verifying that contractors' payment requests are warranted according to the actual work done. You will also be tasked with identifying defects in workmanship and hazardous conditions, auditing documentation from contractors, and meeting with various stakeholders to resolve payment or change order disputes.

To qualify for the Senior Engineering Auditor role at NYCHA, candidates must possess a valid New York State Registration as an Architect and must maintain this registration throughout their employment. Furthermore, candidates should have at least one year of experience as a major contributor or project leader on complex projects that require specific expertise in design or construction. This ensures that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively oversee and audit the vast range of construction projects NYCHA manages.

The Senior Engineering Auditor at NYCHA plays a pivotal role in upholding the authority's commitment to quality housing. By thoroughly reviewing construction projects and ensuring compliance with regulations, you help maintain high standards of safety and quality for all NYCHA developments. Your work directly affects the living conditions of thousands of residents, making sure that their homes are not only safe but also constructed to last. As part of a mission-driven organization, your contributions will have a lasting impact on the community.

Success as a Senior Engineering Auditor at the New York City Housing Authority requires a blend of technical and soft skills. Strong analytical capabilities are essential for reviewing intricate engineering documents and assessing compliance with specifications. Excellent communication skills are also vital, as you will regularly interact with contractors, stakeholders, and colleagues to discuss project statuses and resolve conflicts. Attention to detail is crucial for identifying defects and ensuring that all documentation is accurate and complete. Proficiency in project management will also aid in juggling multiple tasks effectively.

The work culture for a Senior Engineering Auditor at NYCHA is collaborative and community-focused. Employees are encouraged to bring their ideas to the table, fostering an environment of innovation and inclusivity. The team prides itself on its diversity and commitment to supporting one another in reaching collective goals. You will find that working at NYCHA empowers you to make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers, which adds an enriching layer of fulfillment to the role.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you played a significant role. Describe the scope of the project, your responsibilities, and any challenges you faced. Highlight your approach to documentation review and how you ensured compliance with both internal and external regulations, showcasing your attention to detail and your problem-solving skills.

Discuss your systematic approach to reviewing payment requests. Emphasize that you thoroughly check the work performed against what is documented. Explain how you verify the quality of work done on-site, ensuring that the billed amounts correspond to the actual work completed. Mention your experience with maintaining communication with contractors to address discrepancies.

Your response should detail a proactive approach. Discuss any specific techniques you use during field visits, such as visual inspections and sample testing methods. Share an example where you identified a significant defect, how you addressed the situation, and the impact it had on the project outcome.

Since this role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, explain your focus on clear communication and understanding stakeholder priorities. Discuss strategies you use to build trust and keep all parties informed throughout the audit process, ensuring that everyone’s needs are considered while maintaining compliance.

Share a specific incident where you had to make a critical decision regarding compliance or quality issues. Explain the factors you considered, how you arrived at your decision, and its outcomes. This showcases your ability to take initiative and demonstrate accountability in your role.

Prepare to discuss standards that govern public housing, including federal, state, and municipal regulations. Identify specific standards you have worked with in past positions, and illustrate your knowledge by referencing relevant experiences where you ensured adherence to these standards in your auditing work.

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of communication. Describe how you would present your findings with supporting documentation and evidence while remaining open to hearing the contractor's perspective. This demonstrates professionalism and the ability to maintain constructive relationships.

Briefly discuss the tools and software you are familiar with and how they enhance your auditing efficiency. Mention specific platforms for project management, reporting, or compliance tracking that aid in maintaining accurate, organized records during the auditing process.

Articulate the critical nature of quality assurance in ensuring that public housing meets safety, livability, and regulatory standards. Discuss how effective quality assurance processes contribute to the long-term success of housing projects and the quality of life for residents.

Explain your commitment to continuous learning. Mention resources you utilize, like industry journals, seminars, webinars, or professional associations, that keep you up-to-date with trends and changes in regulations that impact your auditing work.