Design & Construction Risk Engineer

Title:   Design & Construction Risk Engineer

Organization:  MassHousing

Location:  One Beacon Street, Boston, MA  02108

Posting Closes:  Close of Business on May 17, 2024

Website:  https://www.masshousing.com

MassHousing recently affirmed its longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion in its 5-year Strategic Goals, see https://www.masshousing.com/-/media/Files/Corporate/MH-5yr-Strategic-Business-Goals.ashx.

THE ORGANIZATION

MassHousing will confront the housing challenges facing the Commonwealth to improve the lives of its people.  A bold mission for an innovative agency.  Since its inception in 1966, MassHousing has provided more than $27.5 billion for more than 125,000 apartments and more than 105,000 home mortgage loans.  Beyond lending, we also work to promote economic growth and empowerment for families, individuals, and businesses; help communities increase their housing stock; provide hope and homes for vulnerable populations, and look for new, cost-effective ways to provide equitable housing opportunities. We have a relentless determination to confront the Commonwealth's housing challenges and improve lives.  

We know that we cannot meet our mission without a workforce that is committed to standing with us in our efforts.  We achieve this by making investments in staff development and prioritizing individuals who align with our values including an unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

As an employee of MassHousing you are offered a great career opportunity which is more than a paycheck.  MassHousing’ s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including but not limited to:

• Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per calendar year
• A 35-hour work week and a Hybrid work schedule
• Back up Child/Elder Care
• Retirement Savings including a pension and a deferred compensation plan (with a match)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision plans
• 12 paid Holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal time
• Short-Term Disability 
• Central Boston office location, convenient to public transportation and amenities on site

If you’re ready to join our dynamic team of mission driven professionals, this might be the job for you! Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and a resume to MassHousing by logging in to https://prd01-hcm01.prd.mykronos.com/ta/6003873.careers?CareersSearch

Position Summary

The Design and Construction Risk Engineer is responsible for evaluating and commenting on construction-related proposals during the preconstruction phase, as well as providing high-level oversight of multifamily projects during construction. The Design and Construction Risk Engineer is a subject matter expert in the field of Construction Management tasked with performing complex project management during loan origination and underwriting, as well as during the construction phase. The Design and Construction Risk Engineer provides input into management objectives by making decisions and rendering informed opinions on construction-related proposals. The Design and Construction Risk Engineer is responsible for performing detailed review of architectural plans and specifications, commenting on the suitability, performance, and quality of design, evaluating cost and performing independent cost estimating, and reviewing the overall project focusing on all factors that affect cost, including materials, labor, location, duration of the project and any special conditions or requirements.  The Design and Construction Risk Engineer provides technical expertise on construction contracts and any contract exhibits, reviews environmental recommendations and requirements, and is responsible for closure on the resolution of any environmental matters in accordance with contractual and regulatory requirements. The Design and Construction Risk Engineer reviews the capacity of the members of the development team, reviews and provides comments on the qualifications and assumptions of proposed construction contracts and other associated documents for conformance to industry standards, and coordinates with the underwriting team throughout the underwriting process and closing. During the construction phase, the Design and Construction Risk Engineer provides high-level oversight to ensure enforcement of construction contracts and construction loan agreements by reviewing and approving requisitions for payment consistent with estimated costs and authorizing the closeout and final release at contract completion. The Design and Construction Risk Engineer is responsible for determining the acceptability of all construction-related activities, including acceptability for resolution of environmental matters (including remediation activities) in accordance with contractual and regulatory requirements, identifies issues/concerns throughout project construction and facilitates timely resolution.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluates and comments on construction-related proposals and provides technical guidance during the loan origination and loan underwriting phases.

• Reviews architectural plans and specifications (commenting on the suitability and quality of design as it relates to energy and environmental performance, as well as other factors), construction contracts (including technical review of qualifications and assumptions contained therein), capacity of development team and other diligence materials related to construction.

• Evaluates cost proposals for alignment with comparable projects and accounting for special conditions that may contribute to extraordinary costs.
• Analyzes third-party engineering reports, including environmental site assessments, and coordinates administrative reviews in compliance with various statutory and regulatory requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP).
• Oversees the administration and management of construction projects; reviewing project scope, design/construction and environmental documentation, and requisition activities.
• Periodically makes inspection of projects that are in construction; participates in virtual and on-site meetings and walk-throughs as appropriate to the stage of construction.
• Performs other duties of a similar level and nature as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of structural and mechanical systems and building components.
• Familiarity with multi-family housing preferred.
• Familiarity with the Commonwealth’s 2050 climate goals for the building sector through innovative and impactful mechanical systems and building components linked to energy and environmental performance, as well as experience in design and/or construction practices related to decarbonization and sustainability preferred.
• Experience with resolving reviewing and resolving environmental matters preferred. 
• The ability to communicate clearly and professionally with all levels of MHFA staff and a wide range of professionals outside of the agency is necessary.

Minimum Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or related field or the equivalent work experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Five years of professional experience dealing with construction project management, building analytics and/or design and engineering review.

Salary Range:  $101,287 - $131,673  

All positions at MassHousing require a customer service mindset, in accordance with our values:  Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect, Accountability and Service.  Inherent in these values is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.

MassHousing is an Equal Opportunity Employer