Senior Quality Auditor: ISO 9001 & FTA Compliance Expert

Jobtailor; New Jersey; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Lead to develop and run a risk-based audit program across engineering and construction projects. You will plan and conduct internal, external, and third-party audits, ensuring alignment with ISO 9001, FTA requirements, and contractual obligations.

You will prepare audit plans, identify systemic gaps, drive CAPA, and report findings to senior management and clients while promoting a strong quality culture and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quality Management, Business, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in quality management, auditing, or compliance.
• Experience leading audits on complex projects or multi-location organizations.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification required or strongly preferred.
• Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or equivalent preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, risk-based auditing, and QMS implementation.
• Working knowledge of FTA 15 Elements and Buy America/Build America requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; executive-level reporting.
• Strong stakeholder management; ability to challenge non-compliance.
• High integrity, independence, and professional judgment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a risk-based annual audit program across program functions, package design and construction execution, partners, and suppliers.
• Plan, lead, and conduct internal, external, and third-party audits.
• Ensure audits align with ISO 9001, FTA requirements, client requirements, regulatory standards, and contractual obligations.
• Prepare audit plans, checklists, and sampling strategies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the QMS and project-specific Quality Management Plans (QMPs).
• Verify implementation of documented procedures, processes, and controls.
• Identify systemic gaps, trends, and recurring quality issues.
• Audit compliance with FTA grant requirements and the FTA 15 Elements of a Project Management Plan.
• Plan and execute audits related to Buy America/Build America (BABA) compliance, including sourcing, domestic content, supplier certifications, waivers, change control, records, and traceability.
• Lead assessment and classification of nonconformances, observations, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support root cause analysis and validation of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Monitor corrective action effectiveness and escalated unresolved or repeated nonconformities.
• Assess and communicate quality impacts on project risk, cost growth, and schedule performance.
• Prepare audit reports for senior management, project leadership, and clients.
• Present audit outcomes, risk exposures, and recommendations to leadership forums.
• Track and report audit KPIs, trends, and closure status.
• Provide subject matter expertise, guidance, and coaching on quality auditing, ISO standards, and compliance.
• Interface with clients, certification bodies, regulators, and partners during audits.
• Support continuous improvement and contribute to quality policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Promote a strong quality culture and ethical, independent audit practices.

Skills

Quality Management

Internal Audits

External Audits

Audit Planning

CAPA

Root Cause Analysis

Nonconformance Assessment

Audit Reporting

Stakeholder Management

ISO 9001

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Construction Management

Quality Management

Business

Job description

Jobtailor is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Lead to develop and run a risk-based audit program across engineering and construction projects. You will plan and conduct internal, external, and third-party audits, ensuring alignment with ISO 9001, FTA requirements, and contractual obligations.

You will prepare audit plans, identify systemic gaps, drive CAPA, and report findings to senior management and clients while promoting a strong quality culture and continuous improvement.