Abilene Christian University

Quality Assurance Manager

Abilene Christian University$75K — $95K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Assurance, or related field; Master's preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in nuclear QA/QC or a regulated research/industrial environment.
  • Preferred experience with NRC/DOE audits and quality management systems.
  • Familiarity with export control laws and nuclear material accountability is preferred.
  • Professional certification in Quality Management (ASQ-CQA, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor) preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain the NEXT Lab Quality Assurance Program in line with NRC and DOE standards.
  • Establish inspection and testing protocols for research activities and facility equipment.
  • Maintain accurate inventory of all nuclear materials, ensuring compliance with DOE and NRC.
  • Implement document control procedures for QA/QC records and compliance documents.
  • Ensure compliance with federal export control laws relevant to NEXT Lab's research.
  • Act as QA/QC representative during audits and inspections, coordinating corrective actions as needed.
  • Identify opportunities for improving QA/QC processes and develop training programs for lab staff.

Benefits

  • Collaborative and innovative research environment in nuclear safety and compliance.
  • Access to continuous professional training and development opportunities.
  • Support for maintaining high standards of safety and quality in operations.
  • Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge nuclear research and its positive societal impacts.
Full Job Description
Basic Responsibilities
  • Quality Assurance Program Oversight
  • Quality Control Implementation
  • Nuclear Material Control & Accountability
  • Document & Records Management
  • Export Control Compliance
  • Regulatory Interface & Audits
  • Continuous Improvement & Training

Essential Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Quality Assurance Program Oversight
  • Develop, implement, and maintain the NEXT Lab Quality Assurance Program in accordance with NRC, DOE, and industry standards.
  • Ensure QA processes support safe and compliant research, training, and experimental activities.
  • Monitor adherence to quality requirements across all projects and operations.

Quality Control Implementation
  • Establish inspection and testing protocols for research activities, experimental systems, and facility equipment.
  • Verify conformity of processes, equipment, and outcomes to established specifications and safety requirements.
  • Document and track non-conformances, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
  • Oversee the creation and maintenance of Process Failure Modes and Effects
  • Analysis (PFMEA) to proactively identify potential risks, assess their impact, and drive corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate quality assurance strategies into process design and improvement initiatives.

Nuclear Material Control & Accountability
  • Maintain accurate inventory and accountability of all nuclear materials in compliance with DOE and NRC requirements.
  • Use approved methods for tracking nuclear material usage, transfers, and storage.
  • Conduct periodic audits of nuclear materials control and reconcile discrepancies.

Document & Records Management
  • Establish document control procedures for QA/QC records, facility licenses, and compliance documents.
  • Ensure accessibility, security, and retention of QA/QC documentation per federal requirements.
  • Support staff with proper document preparation, version control, and archiving.

Export Control Compliance
  • Oversee compliance with federal export control laws (e.g., ITAR, EAR) relevant to NEXT Lab's research.
  • Provide training and guidance to researchers and staff regarding export control obligations.
  • Review research proposals and collaborations for compliance with export restrictions.

Regulatory Interface & Audits
  • Act as QA/QC representative during NRC, DOE, and third-party audits or inspections.
  • Ensure timely preparation and availability of QA/QC documentation for regulators.
  • Address findings from inspections and coordinate implementation of corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement & Training
  • Identify opportunities for improving QA/QC processes and efficiency.
  • Develop and deliver QA/QC training programs for NEXT Lab staff.
  • Promote a strong culture of quality, compliance, and accountability across the lab.

Professional Development Requirements

Skills
  • Proficient with general computer skills including e-mail, video conferencing, Acrobat, and Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint).
  • Knowledge of NRC and DOE QA/QC regulations and standards.
  • Strong understanding of nuclear materials accounting principles.
  • Expertise in document control systems and compliance management.
  • Ability to conduct audits, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

Professional
  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Assurance, or related field (Master's preferred).
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in nuclear QA/QC or regulated research/industrial environment.
  • Preferred experience with NRC/DOE audits, inspections, and quality management systems.
  • Preferred familiarity with export control laws and nuclear material accountability practices.
  • Professional certification in Quality Management (ASQ-CQA, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, etc.) preferred.

Personal
  • Strong attention to detail and analytical problem-solving skills.
  • High integrity and commitment to compliance and safety.
  • Effective communicator with ability to work across technical and administrative teams.
  • Organized, proactive, and adaptable in a dynamic research environment.
  • Committed to fostering NEXT Lab's mission and innovation and safety in nuclear research.

Physical Demands
  • Able to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis.
  • Able to stand 1 hour or more.


About Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university in Abilene, Texas. It was founded in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute. ACU is affiliated with the Churches of Christ. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in business, law, and theology. The university has a student population of approximately 5,000.
Learn more about Abilene Christian University
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