QA Engineer / Construction

About the Company

Leidos is a leading industry and technology organization dedicated to delivering innovative solutions to government and commercial clients. With a focus on smarter, more efficient digital and mission-critical innovations, Leidos operates globally with a workforce of approximately 47,000 employees. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, the company reported annual revenues of around $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2025. Leidos is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting integrity, and driving technological advancements to meet complex challenges across various sectors.

About the Role

Leidos is seeking a Seasonal Quality Assurance Engineer to join the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) Quality team. This role involves providing field-focused quality assurance support for construction, sustainment, and project execution activities in Antarctica. The position emphasizes inspection and test plan (ITP) verification, review of construction plans and specifications, field surveillance, management of quality records, nonconformance documentation, and conducting risk-informed audits and assessments.

The successful candidate will be deployed seasonally to Antarctic stations, supporting the ASC Quality team and subcontractor QA staff. The role may require pre-deployment activities such as training, planning, and coordination, including temporary duty travel. The deployment period is typically from October to March, with a duration of 8 to 16 weeks, depending on operational needs. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to critical infrastructure projects in one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth.

Responsibilities

• Deploy to Antarctica for 8-16 weeks during the Austral Summer season, supporting construction and maintenance activities
• Perform field inspections and surveillance of work against approved drawings, specifications, ITPs, and applicable codes or standards
• Review construction plans, prints, technical specifications, shop drawings, RFIs, and design changes to verify work readiness and conformance
• Support development, review, and execution of ITPs, inspection checklists, hold points, witness points, and test requirements
• Conduct preparatory, initial, and follow-up quality checks, documenting deficiencies and inspection results
• Assist in risk-informed audits, site walkdowns, interviews, and assessments to evaluate quality control effectiveness
• Identify and document nonconforming work, punch-list items, lessons learned, and corrective actions
• Coordinate with project teams, subcontractors, and on-ice personnel to resolve quality issues and ensure compliance
• Support close-out activities, including verification of inspections, tests, material records, and as-built documentation for project turnover and certification

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, quality management, or a related field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree
• Minimum of three years of experience in construction QA/QC, project engineering, field engineering, construction management, inspection, or related roles
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction drawings, schedules, specifications, and technical documentation
• Knowledge of construction QA/QC practices, inspection and testing procedures, nonconformance management, and quality record control
• Ability to prioritize quality activities, conduct field walkdowns, and document objective evidence clearly and accurately
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for working with multidisciplinary teams
• Experience working in remote, industrial, or active construction environments while adhering to safety and environmental standards
• Successful completion of pre-employment, medical, dental, background checks, and training required for Antarctic deployment
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, as required by contract
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance (process may take up to 4 months)

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including uplift pay during deployment
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs
• Income protection and paid leave benefits
• Retirement plan options
• Unique opportunity to work in a remote, challenging environment supporting critical infrastructure projects in Antarctica