Rail & Transit Quality Assurance Lead

Parsons; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 125,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

ESOP

401(k)

Life insurance

Flexible work schedules

Holidays

Job summary

Parsons in Newark, NJ seeks a Quality Audit Manager to lead risk-based audit programs for major rail infrastructure projects. You will plan, conduct, and report on internal, external, and third-party audits, ensuring alignment with ISO 9001, FTA requirements, and contractual obligations.

You will evaluate QMS effectiveness, guide root cause analyses, and drive continuous improvement while coordinating with clients, regulators, and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quality Management, Business, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in quality management, auditing, or compliance.
• Demonstrated experience leading audits on complex projects or multi-location organizations.
• Certification: ISO 9001 Lead Auditor (Strongly preferred).
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a risk-based annual audit program covering project 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).
• Lead assessment and classification of nonconformances, observations, and OFIs.
• Support root cause analysis and validation of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Monitor effectiveness of corrective actions and elevate unresolved or repeated nonconformities.
• 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.
• Interface with clients, certification bodies, regulators, and partners during audits.
• Promote a strong quality culture and ethical, independent audit practices across the organization.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quality Management, Business, or related discipline

Tools

Job description

Parsons in Newark, NJ seeks a Quality Audit Manager to lead risk-based audit programs for major rail infrastructure projects. You will plan, conduct, and report on internal, external, and third-party audits, ensuring alignment with ISO 9001, FTA requirements, and contractual obligations.

You will evaluate QMS effectiveness, guide root cause analyses, and drive continuous improvement while coordinating with clients, regulators, and partners.