Construction Engineer (Construction Claims Specialist)

Position Overview

Join Us! The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is the public transit authority responsible for planning and constructing Skyline, Honolulu’s rail transit system – the first fully automated, driverless urban light metro system in the United States and the largest public infrastructure project in Hawaii’s history. Reporting directly to the Construction Claims Manager, the Construction Engineer will play a key role in managing construction claims, ensuring compliance with contracts, and supporting litigation efforts. This role requires strong analytical skills and expertise in contract management. Candidates must also meet the health and physical condition standards necessary to perform the essential duties. The work schedule is Monday – Friday with an 8-hour shift, on-site at the HART offices in Honolulu, Hawaii 96813; telecommuting is not available and relocation is the candidate’s responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Review contracts, project documentation, and correspondence to identify potential claims issues.
• Analyze contractor claims for validity and prepare detailed reports with findings and recommendations.
• Interpret terms and conditions in proposals, awards, and contracts.
• Communicate with HART project managers and staff to gather project documentation and facts relevant to claims.
• Prepare reports, chronologies, summaries, and other documents to support HART’s position on claims.
• Collaborate with construction management staff and experts to evaluate and monitor claims.
• Develop correspondence, task orders, and other claims-related documents.
• Create reports using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other required software.
• Organize claims materials and files to ensure appropriate access for all stakeholders.
• Strategize with project managers, corporate counsel, or other involved parties to provide litigation support for claims.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited college or university (or equivalent knowledge in a related discipline).
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in construction management.
• At least 3 years’ experience demonstrating substantive knowledge of contract management, change orders, or construction fieldwork.
• Experience on major public transit construction projects or within legal departments/law firms is noted (preferred but not required).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
• Generous vacation and sick leave, earning up to 21 days per year.
• 13 paid holidays annually (14 days during election year).
• Retirement plan contributions through the Employees' Retirement System (ERS).
• Deferred compensation options to invest pre-tax income for retirement.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses.
• Pre-tax transportation benefits, including TheBus and vanpool options.
• Access to confidential counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Additional perks include training opportunities and an employer-funded Holo Card for eligible employees to use on public transit.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.