Deputy Director of Construction QA

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Deputy Director of Construction Quality Assurance (QA) will work under the direction of the Director for Construction QA as well as in close coordination with the Deputy Director of Design QA to support the MBTA Capital Program for projects in design and construction.

Work will include coordinating with MBTA Engineering and all Capital Groups, to ensure that the MBTA’s interests are supported through the execution of Quality Assurance/ Quality Control practices mandated by the Authority and in conformance with the current edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code and industry practice. It will also include conducting public meetings, performing staff reviews, supervising management personnel, and ensuring that QA Department documentation controls and reporting requirements are being adhered to.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Execution of the MBTA Engineering and Capital Division’s Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) through supervision of and participation in:
• Construction quality surveillances and audits
• Development of quality policies, procedures, and checklists
• Assist in the oversight of the review of contractor/fabricator/supplier quality control and assurance plans
• Lead the review of the MBTA’s Quality Assurance Plan (QAP), which will include annual updates.
• Collaborate with other authority departments, general contractors, design consultants and third parties to analyze and resolve general quality, nonconformance issues and proposed corrective action.
• Maintain quality documentation systems, prepare inspection reports, and track and report on contractor performance evaluations and quality improvements.
• Assist in the development, implementation and update the Capital Programs quality Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Monitor those policies, procedures, and checklists for construction quality, ensuring compliance for all MBTA Capital Projects standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and report out on a lessons-learned program to improve the quality of construction projects by identifying trends in QA/QC errors and minimize future issues.
• Maintain and report on construction Contractor Performance Evaluation Report results.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of construction phase scope of work templates including QA/QC contract requirements for use by consultant teams working on MBTA projects.
• Analyze data to determine trends for the development of quality practices and policies.
• Assist the Director of Construction QA in the oversight of quality control, and quality assurance activities, including site inspections and material testing.
• Supervise, directly or indirectly through managers, a technical and administrative staff comprised of QA Engineers QA auditors, and Material Engineers, fostering effective communication and collaboration within the team and with other departments.
• Review all subordinate work product to ensure that the information presented is accurate.
• Establish and maintain sound union/management relations.
• Assist in the procurement, negotiations, and recommendation of approval for contracts with consulting firms as required.
• Ensure MBTA requirements are developed before procurement.
• Undertake special projects as assigned by the Chief for Capital Program Support or Chief Engineer
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to attend job meetings as required and visit job sites and field offices to obtain first-hand knowledge of projects.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or co­worker in a courteous and professional manner which is consistent with the MBTA’s customer service quality standard.
• Respond to emergencies, either directly or through subordinates, on a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day per week basis.
• Work in the office at least two days per week, and up to five days per week as directed.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA including the EEO, Antidiscrimination, and Antiharassment and Antiretaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience leading quality oversight for major construction projects, with at least four (4) of those years focused on transit or transportation-related work.
• Two (2) years’ experience as a supervisor.
• Formal training/certification in QA/QC (NTI, NETTCP, Six Sigma)
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills; effective organizational, analytical, and multi­tasking abilities.
• The ability to use the MS­ Office suite of applications as well as database applications.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Effectively communicate with customers, employees, contractors, and vendors
• Possess excellent customer service, conflict resolution, time management, communication, presentation, and speaking skills.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• The ability to work any shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed and be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
  
  
  

Substitutions Include

• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.
  
  
  

Preferred Experience And Skills

• A Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical field.
• Eight (8) years of experience in administration of Quality Plans.
• ASQ certification (CQA, CQE, or Six Sigma Black Belt)
• Hold and maintain a license as a Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) designation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  
  
  

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.
  
  
  

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .
• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.