Engineering Quality Assurance Specialist 3

About the role

This position leads and performs quality assurance (QA) testing and inspection of complex construction materials across engineering construction projects for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). Work is distinguished by independent complex inspections, supervision of consultants, and professional judgment in recommending project actions. Responsibilities are carried out with a high degree of independence and reviewed for program goals and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Leads and supervises external consultants/contractors performing QA activities, including work assignment delegation and work product review.
• Conducts Independent Assurance (IA) reviews separate from routine sampling and acceptance testing performed by internal/external staff.
• Witnesses sample testing of aggregates, concrete, and asphalt on-site, in labs, and at production facilities.
• Ensures proper procedures, methods, and calibrated equipment settings are followed.
• Independently performs tests of materials used in acceptance testing at different locations to verify result consistency.
• Inspects acceptance testing equipment to validate operation and calibration.
• Mentors inspection staff when issues are identified.
• Performs QA reviews of complex construction operations used to produce highway and bridge materials.
• Reviews contractor and material producer work for compliance with contract specifications.
• Ensures internal/external inspection staff enforce contract stipulations.
• Documents, tracks, and analyzes QA activities; compares IA results to quality control and acceptance testing 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; recommends approval or denial determinations.
• Evaluates decisions for contract or design changes to implement corrective actions.
• Prepares responses for project teams on required actions or documentation 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 QA issues.
• Provides recommendations and guidance to ensure project construction conforms to plans and specifications.
• Completes final project closeout documentation for review and approval; uploads and submits for finalization upon approval.
• Analyzes Ride Quality performance data from field testing; projects data/trends of roadway profiles and identifies improvement areas.
• Provides training and guidance to internal/external project leads, construction staff, inspection staff, plant managers, and others on QA Program specifications and policies.
• Interprets and implements QA operating procedures and guidelines; recommends enhancements to improve the QA program.
• Serves as liaison between PTC project teams and internal/external staff to promote statewide uniformity in specification interpretation, construction activities, material production, and acceptance activities.
• Communicates areas of significance to supervisor.
• May be required to report to work outside standard 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 of materials used in highway, bridge, and/or facilities construction; or
• Four (4) years of such experience and a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field; or
• One (1) year as an Engineering QA Specialist 2 with the PTC.
• Equivalent combinations of education and 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 requires frequent speaking, writing, and report reading; frequent computer use for business programs and PTC-specific systems; and frequent travel and/or fieldwork with exposure to roadway traffic. Occasionally works outside normal business hours for assigned tasks. Office environment features low noise, adequate lighting, and comfortable temperature. Field environments may include moderately adverse conditions; safety equipment and precautions are required. Overall environment is generally safe when proper safety protocols are followed.