Director of Design Quality Assurance

Director of Design Quality Assurance

Salary

$144,020.00 - $168,000.00 Annually

Location

10 Park Plaza, Boston

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-20216

Department

MBTA - Engineering

Area

305-Technical Engineering & Design (Capital)

Opening Date

08/28/2026

Closing Date

9/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

MBTA Exec Main Fund

Licenses / Certifications

A valid Drivers License is required.

Safety Sensitive

No; this is not a Safety Sensitive position.

Essential Classification (Emergency Staff)

No; this position is classified as non-essential (during declared States of Emergency).

On-Call or 24/7

Yes; this position is classified as on-call or 24/7. Employees in this role must be available to respond to page/text/call and report to work as directed by supervisor personnel.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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, culture, and accessibility, and 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 Director of Design Quality Assurance (QA) serves as the MBTAs senior authority for design quality management across the Capital Investment Program and is responsible for establishing, implementing, and continuously improving design quality assurance policies, standards, procedures, and governance practices for planning, design, and construction phase service activities.

The Director provides strategic leadership for design quality management initiatives supporting the Authoritys multi-billion-dollar capital program and ensures compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, MBTA standards, industry best practices, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The Director partners with executive leadership, engineering disciplines, project delivery teams, operations, maintenance, safety, consultants, contractors, and external regulatory agencies to promote a culture of quality, reduce project risk, improve project delivery performance, and ensure the successful delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable transit infrastructure.

The position is accountable for quality governance, design quality performance, organizational development, consultant quality oversight, lessons learned programs, quality audits, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, oversight, and continuous improvement of the MBTAs Design Quality Assurance Program in support of the Authoritys Capital Investment Program.
• Establish, implement, and maintain quality assurance policies, procedures, standards, and governance frameworks for planning, design, and construction phase service activities.
• Direct the execution and ongoing enhancement of the MBTA Quality Management Plan (QMP) and related quality management systems.
• Develop and implement quality objectives, performance measures, key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting tools to monitor design quality performance across the Capital Program.
• Lead quality assurance audits, surveillances, assessments, and compliance reviews to ensure adherence to MBTA standards, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
• Oversee the review and approval of consultant project specific Project Quality Plans and ensure consistent implementation across all capital projects.
• Serve as the executive lead for the identification, evaluation, mitigation, and reporting of design quality risks affecting project cost, schedule, safety, operability, and maintainability.
• Direct the development, implementation, and monitoring of corrective and preventive action programs to address design quality deficiencies and improve project delivery outcomes.
• Lead the MBTA Designer Errors and Omissions (E&O) Program, including participation in the E&O Committee, trend analysis, cost recovery efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a standing and voting member of Designer Selection Committees and provide quality-related recommendations regarding consultant procurement and selection.
• Establish and maintain consultant performance management programs, including oversight of Consultant Performance Evaluation Reports (CPERs) and quality-related performance metrics.
• Develop and maintain standard design and construction scope templates, technical requirements, and quality provisions for consultant contracts and procurements.
• Oversee the Capital Program Project Development Group (PDG) process and monitor compliance with project governance, quality standards, and stage-gate requirements.
• Analyze quality data, audit findings, lessons learned, and performance trends to identify systemic issues and implement process improvements.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Capital Delivery, Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Environmental, and other Authority departments to ensure quality requirements are integrated throughout the project lifecycle.
• Represent the MBTA in design quality-related matters involving regulatory agencies, external auditors, consultants, contractors, industry organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Provide executive-level guidance and recommendations to senior leadership regarding design quality performance, project risks, policy development, and organizational improvement opportunities.
• Direct, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of quality managers, auditors, engineers, and technical professionals while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage departmental staffing, resource planning, succession planning, and workforce development initiatives to ensure organizational effectiveness.
• Develop, administer, and monitor departmental budgets, consultant resources, and operational expenditures to ensure efficient utilization of Authority resources.
• Support procurement activities, contract negotiations, and consultant selection processes to ensure quality requirements are appropriately incorporated into contracts and scopes of work.
• 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 three 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.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.

Supervision

• Supervise, directly and / or indirectly through managers, a technical and administrative staff comprised of QA Managers and QA auditors.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressive experience in the design of major projects.
• Five (5) years of supervisory, manager or leader experience managing professional, technical staff.
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills; effective organizational, analytical, and multitasking abilities.
• Strong people-management and leadership skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and drive employee engagement.
• The ability to use the MSOffice 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.
• Must possess 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

• 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 & Skills

• A Master's degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Twelve (12) years of related experience.
• Three (3) years of experience as a QA/QC Engineer, QA/QC specialist, or similar role.
• Experience within a public transit or transportation agency or large public/private-sector infrastructure organization.
• Experience with alternative project delivery methods including Design-Build and or CMAR.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license 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 pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in 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 MBTAs 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.

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract and is not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

01

Which of the following best describes your education and experience?

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Architecture, or a related field and seven (7) years of progressive experience in the design of major projects.
• A master's degree and five (5) years of progressive experience in the design of major projects.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field and six (6) years of progressive experience in the design of major projects.
• None of the above.

02

Do you have at least five (5) years of supervisory, manager or leader experience managing professional, technical staff?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid U.S. Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

04

The MBTA needs to review your driving record to process your application. Do you authorize the MBTA to obtain your Massachusetts driving records? If you have a Massachusetts license, you can have the MBTA pull your driving record on your behalf at no cost to you by responding "yes" to this question. If you do NOT have a Massachusetts license, or if you would prefer to provide your driving record to the MBTA, you should answer this question "no."

• Yes, I authorize the MBTA to access my driving records on my behalf. I understand that the MBTA is asking for my drivers license number on this application to make sure that it is accessing the correct driving records and that the MBTA will not use my drivers license number for any other purpose.
• No, I do not authorize the MBTA to obtain my records. I will obtain and provide a copy of my current (within past two weeks) "True and Attested Driving Record" from the MA RMV, which I will upload as part of my application or email to HRStaffing@mbta.com. I understand that my application is not complete until / unless I attach my driving record.
• No, I do not want my driving record reviewed and understand that I cannot be further considered for this role without that review.
• I do not have a valid U.S. Drivers License.

05

If you answered "Yes" to allow the MBTA to pull your driving record on your behalf, please provide your Drivers License number below. Otherwise enter "n/a"

06

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

07

Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States (e.g. H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Address 10 Park Plaza

Boston, Massachusetts, 02116

Phone (617) 222-3200

Website https://www.mbta.com