Deputy Director for Design QA

Deputy Director for Design QA

Salary

$150,892.00 Annually

Location

Transportation Building (10 Park Plaza, Boston 02116)

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-11292

Department

MBTA - Engineering

Area

305-Engineering & Design

Opening Date

04/21/2026

Closing Date

5/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Licenses / Certifications

A valid Drivers License is required.

Union Affiliation

Executive

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

Work will include coordinating with MBTA Engineering and Capital Groups to ensure that the MBTA's interests are supported through the execution of QA/QC 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's Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) through supervision of and participation in:

• Design quality surveillances and audits

• Development of design quality policies, procedures, and checklists

• Review of designer quality control and assurance plans

• Modification to the MBTA's QAP which will include annual updates

• Serve as a Member of the MBTA's Designer Errors and Omissions (E&O) Committee whose task it is to track and address E&Os on MBTA Capital Projects for process improvement purposes and, when necessary, to recover MBTA costs.

• Serve as a standing and voting member on the Designer Selection Committee(s).

• Maintain and update the Capital Program Project Design Group (PDG) process as well as monitor the process for compliance on all MBTA Projects with the assistance of the MBTA Project Controls Group.

• Develop, maintain, and report out on an improvements actions program to improve the quality of project design through minimizing repetitive practices that lead to design errors and omissions and associated cost and schedule losses.

• Maintain and report on design team Consultant Performance Evaluation Reports results during the design and construction process.

• Develop and maintain design and construction phase scope of work templates including QA/QC contract requirements for use by consultant teams working on MBTA projects.

• Analyze quality data to determine trends for the development of lessons-learned practices and quality policies.

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

• Review all subordinate work products to ensure that the information presented is accurate.

• Interface with other authority departments, general contractors, design consultants, and third parties to analyze and resolve general design quality and nonconformance issues and propose corrective action.

• 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 of a design/management nature as assigned by the Chief for Capital 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.

• Supervise, directly 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.
• Five (5) years of experience in the design of major projects, including one year of transit or transportation industry projects.
• Three (3) years of experience as a QA/QC Engineer, QA/QC specialist, or similar role.
• Two (2) years of quality-related experience in a project or staff management role.
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills; effective organizational, analytical, and multitasking abilities.
• 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.
• 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 High School Diploma or GED with an additional ten (10) years of directly related experience and one of the preferred quality certifications substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• 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 field.
• Eight (8) years of experience in administration of Quality Programs.
• American Society for Quality certification (Certified Quality Auditor or Certified Quality Engineer) or Six Sigma Green or 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 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 theMBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. 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...

Internships:

Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email internships@mbta.com for more information.

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

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Did not obtain a High School diploma or GED
• High School diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• Vocational or Technical School

02

How many years of experience do you have in the design of major projects? (must have a minimum of one year of transit or transportation industry projects)

• 0 - to less than 1
• 1- to less than 3
• 3- to less than 5
• 5- to less than 7
• 7 +

03

Do you have a minimum of Three (3) years of experience as a QA/QC Engineer, QA/QC specialist, or similar role?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a minimum of Two (2) years of quality-related experience in a project or staff management role?

• Yes
• No

05

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

• Yes
• No

06

The MBTA needs to review your driving record to process your application. Do you authorize the MBTA to obtain your 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) "Unattested Public 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

07

Please enter your complete Drivers License number (if no license, enter "N/A").

08

Please enter your full name, exactly as it appears on your Drivers License (if no license, enter "N/A").

09

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Address 10 Park Plaza

Boston, Massachusetts, 02116

Phone 617-222-5855

Website http://www.mbta.com