Engineering Quality Assurance Specialist 3

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Somerset (Somerset County); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Options

Hybrid Work Schedule

Alternate Work Schedule

Job summary

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in Somerset, PA is seeking an Engineering Quality Assurance Specialist 3 to lead QA testing and inspection of complex construction materials on engineering projects. The role requires independent judgment, supervision of consultants, and ensuring compliance with contract specs.

You will perform independent IA reviews, witness testing on-site and in labs, mentor inspection staff, track QA activities, and prepare action plans to resolve discrepancies while

Qualifications

• Eight years of experience in quality control or testing materials for highway/bridge projects.
• Four years of experience plus a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• NICET Level 3 Certification in Construction Materials Testing/Asphalt or Concrete required.

Responsibilities

• Lead QA testing and inspection of construction materials for highway and bridge projects.
• Mentor and supervise external consultants/contractors involved in QA activities.
• Perform Independent Assurance reviews and on-site/lab testing of aggregates, concrete, and asphalt.
• Document QA activities, track discrepancies, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with contract specifications and support project teams.

Skills

Quality control

Testing processes

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

NICET Level 3 Certification in Construction Materials Testing

Job description

Engineering Quality Assurance Specialist 3

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, opened on October 1, 1940, is known as “America’s First Superhighway”! Our mission is to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. The PTC operates a 565-mile system with over 205 million transactions annually. Together, we are building the highway of the future.

Salary Grade: E-3

Salary Range: $77,488.00 -$103,466.63

Employment Type: Full Time

Work Schedule: Flexible Work Options

Building Location: Somerset Field Office

Building Street: 202 Menser Road

Building City: Somerset

Building State: Pennsylvania (US-PA)

Building Zip Code: 15501

Union Status: Non-Union

FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt

Department: Engineering

Posting Start Date: September 2, 2026

Posting End Date: September 16, 2026

Position Number: 80007213

•This position may report to one of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's offices: Central Office (Middletown) or Eastern Regional Office (King of Prussia).

The Commission values its team members and understands the importance of work/life balance to the health, well-being and productivity of its team. Therefore, this position may be eligible for Flexible Work Options such as:

• Hybrid Work - combination of remote and in-person reporting
• Alternate Work Schedule - flexibility to adjust work schedule length to complete work week in fewer days

*Some options may require completion of probationary period.

The Commission requires all employees to establish PA residency within 6 months of hire and to maintain PA residency, regardless of Flexible Work Options.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The Commission will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

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;
• 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;
• 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

• Active Listening
• Attention to Detail
• Communication Proficiency
• Flexibility
• Motivated
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Quality Control
• Safety
• Teamwork Orientation

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.

Benefits

The selected candidate will be offered an exceptional benefits package which includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, along with a benefit plan for retirement. In addition, leave programs, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and alternative work schedules are available to employees.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department by calling 717-831-7378.