Sr Quality Assurance Analyst

 Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Grant Management is divided into four sections: Development, Administration, Reimbursement and Accounting. Grant Development coordinates program-level information for each project and submits applications for capital, operating and demonstration grants to appropriate funding agencies. Grant Administration tracks approved grant contracts, provides financial oversight and reports project progress to the funding agencies. Grant Reimbursement requests reimbursements from funding agencies for capital expenditures, closes out capital project grants and provides information for audits and funding agency reviews. Grant Accounting develops and maintains records and reports related to fixed assets, depreciation, funding agency equity and capital grant receivables, and reconciles reimbursements with capital expenditures, fixed assets and other general ledger accounts.

Reporting to the Manager, Quality Assurance, the Sr Quality Assurance Analyst will manage the Quality Assurance (QA) audit program for internal departments and third-party vendors; ensure compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Quality Management System (QMS) and other regulatory guidelines; develop various quality plans, manuals, procedures; and conduct training in support of oversight activities.

The primary duties include: Conduct compliance audits, reviews, and assessments related to regulatory, contractual, and departmental guidelines, processes, and requirements. Develop, implement, and conduct quality-related training for internal staff and third-party vendors on requirements of the FTA's QMS Guidelines and the agency's corporate quality manual. Develop and maintain quality plans for various departments; and revise and update procedures and required documents, as needed. Collaborate with project managers and other employees within the agency as well as externally on the identification, correction, and prevention of incidences of non-conformance and other quality issues. Develop and coordinate audit schedules with various departments; and provide auditor support with a focus on achieving continuous process  improvements. Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor
performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree or in lieu of a degree any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years in quality management, process improvement, data analysis or management, or engineering.
2. In addition, five (5) years of experience in quality management, quality auditing, process improvement, data analysis or management, or engineering.
3. Considerable knowledge of quality auditing and the development of standard operating procedures and business processes.
4. Considerable knowledge of the local, state, and federal regulatory agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) and FTA and regulations and guidelines related to safety, Quality Assurance and management, and project and construction management guidelines.
5. Considerable knowledge of statistical methods (e.g., regression analysis, hypothesis testing, process control, etc.) as well as quality tools and techniques for data collection and analysis for process performance and improvement.
6. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) PowerBi, statistical applications, and data management and document control systems.
7. Strong written and verbal communication skills to relay information clearly, concisely, and effectively.
8. Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with all levels of management internally and key stakeholders with outside agencies externally.
9. Strong organization, analytical, and planning skills with the ability to think critically solve and problems.
10. Ability to multi-task, prioritize, set schedules, and meet deadlines.
11. Ability to manage conflict.
12. Certification through the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or other accredited quality-related organizations or able to attain within two (2) years of hire date.
13. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
14. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
15. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
16. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Experience in the railroad or transit industry. 
2. Knowledge of capital project design, construction, engineering concepts, etc., and the FTA's Quality Management System Guidelines.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.