Quality Audit Manager - Rail and Transit

Parsons•Newark, NJ

About The Position

Parsons is seeking a talented Quality Audit Manager to join their team and work on a premier infrastructure project. This role involves developing and maintaining a risk-based audit program for a comprehensive set of rail investments aimed at improving commuter and intercity services, adding resiliency, and creating new capacity between Newark, NJ, and NYC. The program includes the Hudson Tunnel Project, which involves constructing a new tunnel and rehabilitating an existing one. The Quality Audit Manager will ensure audits align with ISO 9001, FTA requirements, client needs, regulatory standards, and contractual obligations, playing a key role in the Gateway Program's success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quality Management, Business, or related discipline.
10+ years of progressive experience in quality management, auditing, or compliance, preferably in engineering, infrastructure, construction, or professional services environments.
Demonstrated experience leading audits on complex projects or multi-location organizations.
Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, risk-based auditing, and QMS implementation.
Working knowledge of FTA 15 Elements and Buy America/Build America requirements.
Ability to assess complex systems, analyze root causes, and identify systemic risks.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level reporting.
Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to challenge non-compliance constructively.
High level of integrity, independence, and professional judgment.

Nice To Haves

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor (Strongly preferred).
Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a risk-based annual audit program covering program functions, package design and construction execution, partners, and suppliers.
Plan, lead, and conduct internal, external, and third-party audits, ensuring objectivity and independence.
Ensure audits align with ISO 9001, FTA requirements, client requirements, regulatory standards, and contractual obligations.
Prepare audit plans, checklists, and sampling strategies appropriate to project complexity and risk profile.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the QMS and project-specific Quality Management Plans (QMPs).
Verify implementation of documented procedures, processes, and controls across operational and project activities.
Identify systemic gaps, trends, and recurring issues impacting quality performance.
Audit compliance to Federal Transportation Authority (FTA) grant requirements and the FTA 15 Elements of a Project Management Plan (PMP), including interfaces between quality, risk, cost, schedule, procurement, and construction.
Plan and execute audits related to But America /Build America (BABA) compliance, including material sourcing, domestic content requirements, supplier certifications, waiver applicability, and traceability.
Lead assessment and classification of nonconformances, observations, and opportunities for improvement (OFIs).
Support root cause analysis and validation of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
Monitor effectiveness of corrective actions and escalate unresolved or repeated nonconformities.
Assess and communicate potential impacts of identified quality issues on project risk, cost growth, and schedule performance.
Prepare clear, concise audit reports for senior management, project leadership, and clients.
Present audit outcomes, risk exposures, and improvement recommendations to leadership forums.
Track and report audit KPIs, trends, and closure status.
Act as a subject matter expert on quality auditing, ISO standards, and compliance expectations.
Provide guidance and coaching to project and functional teams on audit readiness and quality best practices.
Interface with clients, certification bodies, regulators, and partners during audits.
Support continuous improvement initiatives driven by audit findings and lessons learned.
Contribute to updates of corporate quality policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
Promote a strong quality culture and ethical, independent audit practices across the organization.