At least 5 years
This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
47% STARs in role.
Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager – Design and Construction
Job Description
This role leads quality assurance for complex design and construction projects, with a focus on Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems in laboratory, data center, and secure facilities. The position is based in the Washington/Baltimore DC metropolitan area and is ideal for a seasoned construction professional who brings advanced technical expertise, a strong track record in quality programs, and a passion for delivering high-performing, mission-critical environments. You will help shape and enforce quality standards on highly visible projects while contributing to a culture that supports professional growth and internal development.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the overall quality assurance program for complex design and construction projects in the commercial and federal sectors.
- Develop, implement, and maintain project-specific quality assurance and quality control plans, procedures, and checklists for all phases of construction.
- Oversee and verify the installation of complex Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and related systems to ensure compliance with design documents, codes, and industry standards.
- Support the successful delivery of new and renovated laboratory facilities, data centers, and secure facilities, including those with Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs).
- Conduct regular site inspections and audits to identify quality issues, nonconformances, and risks, and drive timely corrective and preventive actions.
- Collaborate closely with construction managers, field engineers, designers, trade partners, and owners’ representatives to align on quality expectations and resolve issues.
- Review and interpret drawings, specifications, submittals, and shop drawings to ensure that construction activities meet project requirements.
- Monitor and document construction activities, tests, and inspections, maintaining thorough and accurate quality records throughout the project lifecycle.
- Provide guidance and coaching to project teams on quality standards, best practices, and lessons learned to promote continuous improvement.
- Participate in project meetings and progress reviews, presenting quality findings, trends, and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Support commissioning activities and ensure that systems are tested, verified, and documented in accordance with project and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrate progressive leadership by mentoring junior staff and contributing to the development of internal quality processes and tools.
Essential Skills
- 10+ years of combined education and/or experience within commercial or federal construction.
- 5+ years of experience working at a construction management firm or as an owner’s representative in a dedicated Quality Assurance Manager role.
- Advanced knowledge and expertise in the installation of complex Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), and related building systems.
- Proven experience supporting the successful delivery of new and/or renovated laboratory facilities in commercial construction.
- Demonstrated experience with data center projects, including high-reliability and mission-critical environments.
- Hands-on experience with secure facilities, including projects involving Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs).
- Evidence of progressive career development in quality control, quality assurance, construction management, field engineering, or related disciplines.
- Strong understanding of construction documents, specifications, codes, and industry standards relevant to commercial and federal construction.
- Ability to conduct detailed field inspections and audits and to document findings clearly and accurately.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with owners, contractors, designers, and internal project teams.
- Proficiency in applying structured quality assurance and quality control processes on large, complex projects.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working on large, complex, and high-profile projects in the Washington/Baltimore DC metropolitan area.
- experience in both new construction and renovation projects, particularly for laboratories, data centers, and secure facilities.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop team members and contribute to internal process improvements.
- Track record of working within an organization that emphasizes professional development and internal growth.
- Comfort working in an owner’s representative or construction management capacity, representing project quality interests.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively identify and address quality risks before they impact project outcomes.
Work Environment
You will work primarily in the Washington/Baltimore DC metropolitan area on large, complex commercial and federal projects that include laboratories, data centers, and secure facilities with SCIFs. The environment combines office-based coordination with frequent visits to active construction sites, where you will interact closely with construction managers, field engineers, trade partners, and owners’ representatives. Projects emphasize high-quality workmanship, rigorous quality standards, and sophisticated MEP systems. The organization maintains a strong presence in the regional market, is known for delivering high-quality work on coveted projects, and offers significant internal growth opportunities through a culture that develops and promotes talent from within. Site work may require appropriate safety attire in accordance with construction site standards.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dickerson, MD.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $50.00 - $68.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a fully onsite position in Dickerson,MD.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006101086
