Quality Compliance Auditor (term-limited)

Salary range is $60k to $140k, with a midpoint of $95k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

This is a term-limited opportunity with an anticipated duration of 2 years

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general direction, conducts rigorous quality-focused audits of processes and activities related to all FTA-funded projects, ensuring the highest standards of compliance under the Quality Audit Program. Reviews and verifies documentation and implementation of quality management activities to confirm that processes are performed accurately and thoroughly. Creates final audit reports including recommendations and follow-up actions in accordance with documented procedures. Collaborates with various departments to identify areas for improvement on quality related activities.

This position is responsible for evaluating the implementation of quality management activities including capabilities of the establishment of quality management systems (quality control and assurance), identification and correction of quality problems are adhering to the approved Project Quality Management Plan (QMP) and the agency's Quality Management System Plan (QMSP) by conducting audits, and verifying that the auditees are complying with standards, requirements specifications as required by the FTA, as a recipient of federal funding.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Leads and performs quality-focused compliance audits using established processes of the Quality Audit Program.
• Follow the different phases of an audit process to ensure a standard approach.
• Lead and perform scheduled audits per Audit Program.
• Performs comprehensive review of procedures, policies, documentation accuracy & compliance.
• Assesses, documents & follows-up on approved QMP and QMSP to assure integration and application of procedures into actual processes.
• Identify observations and audit findings and evaluate adequacy of proposed corrective action, preventive action, or continual improvement and the implementation of such actions.
• Participates in cross-functional work groups to assist in developing improvements.
• Analyzes, interprets & synthesizes data to identify problems, opportunities, issues & trends. Resolves complex quality issues.
• Expertise in maintaining regulatory compliance and produce verifiable substantive results.
• Prepares associated and required reports; plans, performs and independently leads audits in accordance with FTA and Quality Audit Program requirements.
• Collaborates with various departments to identify areas for improvement.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, Quality Management or related field. Four years of progressive responsibility and experience in the field of quality and quality audit in transit, manufacturing, industrial environment or heavily regulated industries in one or more of the following areas: business operations, quality management and programs, operational auditing/improvement programs, corrective action management, and/or data analytics; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• American Society for Quality, Certified Quality Auditor certification (CQA)

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• ISO 9000 family of standards - Quality Management
• Lean Six Sigma

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Working knowledge of FTA 15 Elements of a Quality Program.
• General knowledge of requirements and standards of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), or other regulatory standards.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Experience with using management systems and regulated audit program.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office and field environment.
• Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• Positions is responsible for performing a variety of buildings and grounds inspection, maintenance and repair functions; may be subject to bending, climbing, crawling, grasping, hearing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, talking, seeing, walking, and carrying and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Position may need to reach jobsites that are non-accessable by transit at off hours.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.