Design Quality Manager

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a Design Quality Manager  to join our Rails and Transit team in Washington, DC and San Franscico, CA. The Design Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring that all design activities comply with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) quality requirements and international standards such as ISO 9001. This role oversees quality assurance processes during the design phase of transit projects, ensuring that deliverables meet regulatory, contractual, and safety requirements while supporting continuous improvement and risk mitigation.

Your role 

• Develop and implement a Design Quality Plan aligned with FTA Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.

• Ensure compliance with FTA guidelines for design reviews, documentation, and quality audits.

• Maintain traceability of design requirements and verification activities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Support internal and external audits related to FTA quality standards.

• Apply ISO 9001 principles to establish and maintain a robust quality management framework for design activities.

• Conduct design reviews, verification, and validation to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.

• Implement corrective and preventive actions for design-related nonconformities.

• Monitor key quality metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure quality requirements are integrated into design deliverables.

• Review and approve design documentation, drawings, and specifications for accuracy and compliance.

• Facilitate risk-based thinking in design processes to identify and mitigate potential quality issues early.

• Act as the primary liaison for quality matters between design teams, project management, and regulatory bodies.

• Prepare and present quality reports to senior management and external stakeholders.

• Support training and awareness programs on quality standards and best practices.

About you 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in design quality management within transit, rail, or infrastructure projects.

• Strong knowledge of FTA Quality Management requirements and ISO 9001 standards.

• Experience with design review processes, document control, and quality audits.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, or PMP preferred.

• Familiarity with risk management principles and tools.

• Proficiency in quality management software and document control systems.

Rewards & benefits 

At AtkinsRéalis, our values—Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence—are more than just words. They are the foundation of who we are and how we work. These principles shape our culture, guide our decisions, and inspire us to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact. 

Depending on your employment status, AtkinsRéalis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absences options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits. You can review our comprehensive benefits page here.  

About AtkinsRéalis 

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. 

Find out more.  

Additional information 

Expected compensation range is between $92,600.00 - $154,400.00 USD Annual depending on skills, ex