Full Job Description
Senior Program Manager, QA Vendor Audit - 519003
Organization: Nuclear Power Group
Department: Quality Assurance & Services
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Relocation benefits are offered for this position and will be aligned with federal travel regulations
Posting Open: 10/20/2026
Posting Close: 11/01/2026 at 11:59 PM EST
Salary: Competitive
POSITION PURPOSE:
Serves as the audit team leader, responsible for the performance of the team and technical consultants, and/or participates as an auditor who conducts major program audits and evaluations of vendors to maintain the TVA Acceptable Suppliers List (ASL). Develops audit reports identifying non-conformance issues and concerns and subsequently confers with supplier senior management to modify practices and procedures, utilization of assets and physical resources and implement administrative or technical processes which ensure the resolution of these issues. Audits are conducted independently using the NUPIC checklist, or equivalent, and may be technical or administrative in context, provide sensitive reports and recommendations which, when implemented, will positively influence the quality of operation of vendor's program.
JOB DIMENSIONS:
Supervisory Responsibility - No.
Budget Responsibility - No.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
The QA Vendor Audit Senior Program Manager is responsible for the following accountabilities, as applicable:
Provides independent audit and review of vendor quality programs.
Leads or participates in QA audits, surveillances, and commercial grade surveys of vendors to maintain the TVA ASL.
Provides sensitive, independent reports and recommendations to vendor senior management to improve quality of supplied products to the industry.
Participates, evaluates and/or approves audits/surveys/assessments conducted by external agencies. Results are used in verification/update of the TVA ASL and QA Self-Evaluation.
Performs other functions as assigned including supplier annual reviews, peer reviews and attending training.
Maintains/updates the audit schedule / matrix for Vendor Audit and Services (VAS) including maintaining the Acceptable Supplier List.
Provides analysis of technical and quality problems from vendor audits and ensures tracking, trending and timely resolution of findings and evaluates the effectiveness of actions.
May support or lead audits to determine the effectiveness of internal TVA QA program elements and other organizations which support the nuclear program.
Significant travel within the US and occasionally outside the country is required.
Supports Nuclear Industry Evaluation Program (NIEP) activities, as required.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
The minimum requirements below meet or exceed ANSI/ANS 3.1-2014 standards.
Education - B.S. degree in an engineering or scientific discipline or equivalent related experience is desirable. Highschool diploma is required.
Experience - 7 years or more power generation experience in power plant design, construction, operations, maintenance, engineering, technical support, or quality assurance. At least 4 years of this experience should include positions having a major influence affecting operations of a power unit.
Certification/License, etc. - Previous certification as lead auditor in accordance with ANSI N45.2.23 or NQA-1 is desirable. Will require NUPIC Audit Team Leader (ATL) certification within 12 months of hiring date. Certification to be maintained annually.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - The incumbent must possess and demonstrate effective verbal and written communications skills, and strong leadership skills to manage QA oversight activities, effectively lead audit teams, and engage Vendor personnel proactively. Candidate may be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance based on position / access requirements and essential job functions. Significant travel within the US and occasionally outside the country is required.
