Engineering Quality Assurance Specialist 3

Job Purpose and Summary

This position is responsible for leading and performing quality assurance (QA) testing and inspection of a variety of complex construction materials throughout engineering construction projects for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). Work at this level is distinguished from lower-level specialists by the ability to perform complex inspections independently, supervise the work of consultants, and use professional judgement to make recommendations for projects. Work is performed primarily with independence and reviewed by a superior for attainment of program goals and overall customer satisfaction. Leads and supervises the work of external consultants/contractors involved in QA activities.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Leads and supervises the work of external consultants/contractors involved in QA activities including delegations of work assignments and review of work product.

Leads and performs Independent Assurance (IA) reviews which are independent of routine sampling or acceptance testing performed by internal/external inspection staff of materials used for highway and bridge construction projects.

Witnesses sample testing of aggregates, concrete, and asphalt on-site, in labs, and at material production facilities. Ensures the proper procedures and methods are followed, as well as the correct calibration settings for testing equipment. Independently performs tests of the same materials used in acceptance testing in different locations to ensure consistency of results.

Inspects all equipment used in acceptance testing to validate that it is operating and calibrated properly for the test. Mentors inspection staff when issues are identified.

Performs QA reviews of complex construction operations utilized to produce materials for highway and bridge construction. Reviews the work of contractors and material producers for compliance with contract specifications. Ensures internal/external inspection staff are adhering to the enforcement of the contract stipulations.

Documents, tracks, and analyzes QA activities. Compares IA review results to the results of quality control and acceptance testing performed by inspectors to identify discrepancies.

Reports discrepancies or issues to inspection team management and project managers. Recommends corrective action and conducts follow-up reviews to ensure discrepancies/issues were addressed and properly documented.

Obtains and reviews significant project deviation responses and recommends determination of approval/denial. Evaluates decisions in making changes to the contract or design of the project for corrective actions. Prepares responses for the project team indicating any additional action or documentation required to ensure corrective actions have been 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 and guidance to ensure that project construction is in conformance with plans and specifications.

Completes final project closeout documentation for review and approval. Once approved, uploads and submits for finalization of project.

Analyzes Ride Quality performance data from field testing. Projects data/trends of roadway profiles. 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 the proper techniques and procedures to comply with QA Program specifications and policies.

Interprets and implements QA operating procedures and guidelines. Provides recommendations to enhance techniques and methods to improve the QA program.

Liaisons between PTC project teams and internal/external staff involved to encourage statewide uniformity of practice in specification interpretation, construction activities, material production activities, and acceptance activities. Communicates areas of significance with supervisor.

May be called to report to work outside of standard work hours to assist field staff if an emergency arises.

Uses situational awareness to anticipate and prevent accidents.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Eight (8) years of experience involved in the quality control or testing processes of materials used in highway, bridge, and/or facilities construction; 
OR 
Four (4) years of experience in the 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

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Position demands include frequent speaking, writing, and reading reports. Position requires frequent work at a computer utilizing business programs and PTC specific operating systems. Position requires frequent travel and/or fieldwork with exposure to roadway traffic. Occasionally works outside of normal business hours for assigned work assignments.

Office environment with low levels of noise, adequate lighting, and comfortable temperature. Field environment may include exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable conditions. Physical environment is generally safe, but safety equipment or precautions must be followed in field conditions.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent(s) within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of the employee(s) assigned to this job. Management has the discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time.