QA Specialist (Civil Engineer I)

Overview

The Research & Materials Section (RMS) serves as MassDOT’s central materials laboratory. Our engineers, chemists, technicians, inspectors, and administrative professionals support MassDOT by ensuring that MassDOT complies with all applicable federal guidelines and regulations relating to construction material quality. Staff are responsible for the sampling and testing of construction materials, developing a wide range of material standards and guidelines, evaluating laboratories throughout the Commonwealth, and facilitating research projects. RMS participates in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Accreditation Program and meets strict organizational, personnel, equipment, and testing proficiency requirements. The lab performs testing in the following areas: concrete, soils and aggregates, asphalt binder, hot mix asphalt, chemical, and physical (standard manufactured materials).

Position Summary

The Research & Materials, Civil Engineer I in the QA Section, will function as staff engineer and will review and update all information relating to construction materials used for MassDOT. They may perform sampling and testing, perform inspection oversight and audits at various plants, review project documentation, prepare unit related correspondences and participate in the NTPEP Program. Incumbents of positions in this series prepare or review plans, designs, specifications and cost estimates for engineering projects; prepare and/or review reports, studies and analytical data; perform calculations relating to engineering problems; perform engineering surveys; inspect construction and/or maintenance work; and perform professional engineering duties in such areas as highways, bridges, buildings and facilities all in accordance with sound engineering principles, applicable laws, regulations and standards. The basic purpose of this work is to perform professional engineering duties in such areas as highways, bridges, buildings and facilities all in accordance with sound engineering principles, applicable laws, regulations and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the development and maintenance of the Laboratory’s Information Management System (LIMMS) including sample, equipment, and personnel documentation required to maintain AASHTO Accreditation.

• Assists in design and implementation of new material test report forms with LIMMS team members.

• Research of hardware and software that will used in sample identification in the LIMMS program.

• Assists in setting up of program and training of users statewide.

• Performs initial RMS 360 reviews for new projects.

• Reviews contracts for final closeout and material certification.

• Reviews of new materials and products submission for Qualified Construction Materials List acceptance and other tasks assigned.

• Send out acknowledgement of receipt to the applicant in a timely manner.

• Perform timely independent review in accordance with evaluation procedures.

• Monitors the activities of the National Transportation Products Evaluation Program (NTPEP) and AASHTO Product Evaluation List (APEL) to keep supervisor informed regarding technical committees, work plans, audits, DataMine, products, and implementation.

• Reviews HMA mix designs for conformance with the MassDOT specifications.

• Performs periodic inspections and audits of HMA, PG Binder and Emulsion production and testing facilities.

• Performs testing within the various laboratories as required with proper training.

• Performs Independent Assurance inspection and testing as required.

• Tests samples and analyzes data for research and development of new test methods, processes, and material requirements.

• Maintains ACI and NETTCP certifications meeting the AASHTO Laboratory Accreditation Program requirements.

• Reviews research information from TRB, NCHRP, NETC or other sources and provides summaries and recommendations and takes part in assigned seminars and webinars.

Working Conditions

Materials samples may need to be transported, carted and/or lifted during the process. The sample process may involve weights of 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in civil engineering.
• Knowledge of the principles of hydraulics as applied to surface drainage pipes and culverts.
• Knowledge of engineering properties of soils.
• Knowledge of the properties and characteristics of concrete and asphalt; mechanical properties of fluids; theory and practice of plane surveying.
• Knowledge of the types & skill in the uses of equipment used in plane surveying; knowledge of the methods of soil testing.
• Knowledge of the types and used of equipment and materials used in building, bridge, highway, road, street or tunnel construction.
• Knowledge of mathematical formulae used to compute volumes and areas.
• Knowledge of elementary algebra, trigonometry, plane and solid geometry, integral and differential calculus; knowledge of the standard procedures for taking field notes in connection with plane surveying.
• Knowledge of mathematical computations used in solving civil engineering problems.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of civil engineering data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to understand, apply and explain the laws, rules, regulations, procedures, specifications and guidelines governing assigned unit activities and in connection with the construction and maintenance of highways, bridges, buildings, etc.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely as well as ability to maintain records.

This position is eligible for a five-thousand dollar ($5,000) signing bonus (“Signing Bonus”) if you are newly hired at MassDOT. Current MassDOT employees are not eligible for the Signing Bonus. The Signing Bonus will be paid in two parts: 1) $3,000 (less applicable taxes) included in the employee's first paycheck. 2) $2,000 (less applicable taxes) after the successful completion of the employee’s probationary period.

About MassDOT

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT’s culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.

MassDOT’s divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.

Qualifications

Minimum Entrance Requirements

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.

All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.

Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in civil engineering work in such areas as construction, survey, design, transportation, hydraulics, structural, sanitary, drafting, environmental, highway, architectural, airport, soils and materials or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions

I. An Associate's degree with a major in civil engineering** or civil engineering technology** may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.*

II. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in civil engineering** or civil engineering technology**, may be substituted for the required experience.*

**NOTE: The terms civil engineering and civil engineering technology include related engineering disciplines such as construction, survey, hydraulics, design, transportation, structural, soils, sanitary, environmental, drafting, highway, architectural, mining, airport and materials.

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

• For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected].

• For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857‐368‐4722.

• For a disability‐related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857‐274‐1935.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Civil Engineer I

Primary Location : United States-Massachusetts-Hopkinton - 5 Macadam Road

Job : Engineering

Agency : Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Day

Job Posting : Jan 16, 2026, 11:44:52 AM

Number of Openings : 1

Salary : 75,317.72 - 104,813.17 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Derrick Mann - 8573688541

Bargaining Unit : 09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes