Maryland Transit Administration
Director, Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
DOT Executive V
Executive Service
This position serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority
Open to all qualified applicants
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply
Are you seeking a job where your work is meaningful, mission-driven, and directly contributes to the safety and success of one of the largest transit systems in the United States?
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is seeking a highly skilled and forward-thinking Director of Safety, Security & Quality Assurance to lead all safety, security, and quality functions for the $2 billion, 16-mile Purple Line Light Rail Project.
This executive-level role reports to the Chief Safety Officer and oversees the full lifecycle of safety and security certification, directs the MTA's Purple Line Safety Team, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements throughout design, construction, testing, commissioning, and revenue service. The Director serves as the primary liaison to the State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA) for the Purple Line and leads multiple multidisciplinary committees and working groups.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the safety and quality foundation of a major new light rail system from concept to operation.
Key Responsibilities:
Safety & Security Leadership
*Direct the Safety and Security Certification Program for the Purple Line.
*Establish and maintain safety policies, procedures, and compliance processes.
*Identify, analyze, and resolve hazards throughout all project phases.
*Provide regular updates and reports to the State Safety Oversight Agency.
*Chair the Safety & Security Certification Committee and the Fire/Life Safety & Security Committee.
Design, Construction & Commissioning Oversight
*Participate in design reviews to ensure compliance with safety and security criteria.
*Oversee commissioning activities during design, construction, testing, and system startup.
*Ensure facilities, systems, and equipment meet design specifications and operational requirements.
*Review Safe Work Plans and oversee the Concessionaire's Construction Safety & Security Program.
Engineering & Technical Compliance
*Review construction drawings, specifications, and engineering packages for safety and security compliance.
*Conduct safety-engineering assessments and support development of certifiable items.
*Implement Safety & Security Certification Program Plans and verify readiness of safety-critical elements
Revenue Operations Safety Oversight
*Review Concessionaire Safety Management System (SMS) implementation and Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) compliance.
*Oversee Concessionaire compliance with SSOA Rail Safety Oversight Program Standard (RSOPS) and relevant federal regulations.
*Review various SMS documents and processes including but not limited to: safety event investigations, safety risk assessments, drills and exercises, corrective action plans, hazard management, internal safety reviews, etc.
Quality Assurance & Quality Control
*Lead implementation of the Quality Management System Plan.
*Ensure contractor and subcontractor adherence to QA/QC requirements.
*Lead weekly Quality Status meetings and approve Nonconformance Reports.
Emergency Response & Incident Investigation
*Coordinate with emergency response agencies and ensure they are trained on Purple Line hazards and procedures.
*Lead or participate in accident and incident investigations.
*Support OSHA compliance and emergency response readiness.
Research, Standards & Administrative Duties
*Monitor emerging technologies, codes, and best practices related to transit safety and quality.
*Support development of engineering manuals, guidelines, and lessons-learned
*Oversee construction safety and security programs, including review of Safe Work Plans and OSHA compliance.
*Provide regular reports and updates to the State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA).
*Direct the implementation and monitoring of the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure QA/QC compliance across all project phases.
*Review and approve Nonconformance Reports and ensure corrective actions are completed.
*Lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with contractors, consultants, emergency responders, and internal/external stakeholders.
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
*Demonstrated leadership in large-scale transportation or infrastructure projects.
*Knowledge of FTA Safety & Security Certification processes and QA/QC guidelines.
*Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
Notes
1. Position is Essential and subject to 24/7 call in.
2. Safety experience, or transit/construction experience, may be substituted on a year for year basis for one year of the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute equivalent U.S. Armed Forces military service experience on a year-for-year basis for up to four years of the required education.
Safety Statement
Managers should foster a positive safety culture by leading with integrity and establishing departmental safety practices and procedures for all employees. Managers should attend and participate in safety meetings and adhere to and enforce all safety rules, policies, regulations, and personal protective equipment requirements to support a safe and healthy working environment. Ensure employees are properly trained and provided with personal protective equipment to conduct their job functions in a safe manner. Report hazards, unsafe acts, near misses, injuries, and accidents immediately to the Office of Safety. Collaboratively work to mitigate reported hazards in a timely manner. Conduct safety risk assessments and/or job hazard analyses as needed.
To support a safe and healthy work environment, employees must refrain from willful violations of safety rules and procedures, reckless and negligent behavior, involvement in criminal activities, and the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Failure to adhere to this requirement may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Employees may only perform work for which they have the appropriate safety training.
Maryland Department of Transportation
$111,484.00 - $173,775.00 Annually
dental insurance, long term disability
Jan 10, 2026