Engineering Quality Assurance Specialist 3

About the role

This position leads and performs quality assurance (QA) testing and inspection of complex construction materials throughout engineering construction projects for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). Work is performed with independence and reviewed for attainment of program goals and overall customer satisfaction. The role supervises external consultants/contractors involved in QA activities and uses professional judgement to make recommendations for projects.

Responsibilities

• Leads and supervises external consultants/contractors involved in QA activities, including delegating work assignments and reviewing work product.
• Performs Independent Assurance (IA) reviews independent of routine sampling or acceptance testing; witnesses sample testing of aggregates, concrete, and asphalt on-site, in labs, and at material production facilities.
• Ensures proper procedures, methods, and calibration settings for testing equipment are followed.
• Independently performs tests of materials used in acceptance testing in different locations to ensure consistency of results.
• Inspects equipment used in acceptance testing to validate operation and calibration.
• Mentors inspection staff when issues are identified.
• Performs QA reviews of complex construction operations used to produce materials for highway and bridge construction.
• Reviews contractor and material producer work for compliance with contract specifications and enforces contract stipulations.
• Documents, tracks, and analyzes QA activities; compares IA review results to quality control and acceptance testing results to identify discrepancies.
• Reports discrepancies or issues to inspection team management and project managers; recommends corrective action and conducts follow-up reviews.
• Obtains and reviews significant project deviation responses and recommends approval/denial determinations.
• Evaluates decisions for changes to contracts or project design to implement corrective actions.
• Prepares responses for project teams indicating additional action or documentation required to ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Tracks and documents all QA activities in the Materials Action Plan for live projects.
• Participates on project teams for construction and materials quality control on Engineering Construction Projects.
• Troubleshoots, investigates, and resolves complex issues; provides recommendations to ensure project construction conforms with plans and specifications.
• Completes final project closeout documentation for review and approval; uploads and submits for finalization once approved.
• Analyzes Ride Quality performance data from field testing; projects data/trends of roadway profiles and identifies potential areas for improvement.
• Provides training and guidance to internal/external project leads, construction staff, materials/construction inspection staff, plant managers, and other personnel on proper techniques and procedures to comply with QA Program specifications and policies.
• Interprets and implements QA operating procedures and guidelines; recommends enhancements to improve the QA program.
• Liaises between PTC project teams and internal/external staff to encourage statewide uniformity in specification interpretation, construction activities, material production, and acceptance activities.
• Communicates areas of significance with supervisor.
• May be called to report outside standard work hours to assist field staff during emergencies.
• Uses situational awareness to anticipate and prevent accidents.

Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of experience in quality control or testing processes of materials used in highway, bridge, and/or facilities construction; or
• Four (4) years of experience in quality control or testing processes of materials used in highway, bridge, and/or facilities construction and a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; or
• One (1) year as an Engineering QA Specialist 2 with the PTC.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.
• Possession of a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level 3 Certification in Construction Materials Testing/Asphalt, Construction Materials Testing/Concrete, or Transportation Construction Inspection Technology/Highway Construction Inspection.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license; must obtain and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license within six (6) months of employment.

Competencies

• Active Listening
• Attention to Detail
• Communication Proficiency
• Flexibility
• Motivated
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Quality Control
• Safety
• Teamwork Orientation

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Position demands include frequent speaking, writing, and reading reports, and frequent work at a computer using business programs and PTC-specific operating systems. Frequent travel and/or fieldwork with exposure to roadway traffic is required. Occasionally works outside normal business hours for assigned work assignments. Office environment features low noise, adequate lighting, and comfortable temperature; field environments may include moderately adverse and undesirable conditions. Safety equipment or precautions must be followed in field conditions; the physical environment is generally safe.