About the roleWe are seeking a Senior Quality Assurance Engineer with deep experience in nuclear quality assurance, supplier evaluation, qualification, and oversight, and quality control personnel training, qualification and certification processes to support and enhance our NQA-1 Quality Assurance Program. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, 10 CFR 21, ASME Sections III and VIII, NQA-1, and corresponding Department of Energy (DOE) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) QA requirements,
This position reports to the Quality Assurance Director and plays a key role in strengthening inspection program rigor, supplier quality, and nuclear safety culture across manufacturing operations.
What you'll doQuality Assurance Program Leadership:
- Implement and maintain a robust NQA-1 Quality Assurance Program in compliance with 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, 10 CFR 21, ASME and DOE QA frameworks
- Establish and maintain personnel qualification, training, and certification programs aligned with NQA-1 Requirement 2 and ANSI N45.2.6 ensuring inspection personnel competency and documented qualification records
In conjunction with the QC Manager, administer and improve site-wide inspector training and certification programs, including:
- Qualification of inspectors across multiple disciplines
- Recertification, evaluations, and competency verification
- Training plan development and compliance tracking
- Promote a nuclear safety culture emphasizing procedural adherence, traceability, and conservative decision-making
Inspection, Testing, and Supplier Quality Oversight:
- Participate in the supplier qualification program; support audits and source inspections to ensure compliance with procurement, technical, and nuclear quality requirements
- Support receiving inspection, source verification, and material traceability controls across the supply chain
- Ensure compliance with inspection and test requirements, including:
- Hydrostatic, pneumatic, functional, and load testing
- NDE and inspection processes
- Validate that all materials and components meet design, code, and procurement requirements prior to acceptance
Nonconformance, Corrective Action, and S/CI Program Integration:
- Maintain systems for nonconformance identification, evaluation, disposition, and corrective action
- Participate in root cause analysis and resolution of quality issues across manufacturing and supply chain activities
Integrate and oversee Suspect/Counterfeit Items (S/CI) controls, including:
- Identification, evaluation, and disposition processes
- Coordination across engineering, procurement, operations, and QA
- Compliance with DOE and regulatory reporting requirements
Audits, Regulatory Interface, and Program Oversight:
- Lead and support internal audits, supplier audits, and regulatory assessments involving NRC, DOE, ASME and customer stakeholders
- Ensure inspection, training, and QA programs meet audit and surveillance expectations
- Support interface with regulators and oversight bodies, including support for investigations and reporting requirements
- Drive continuous improvement of QA processes, procedures, and training systems
ASME Code and Manufacturing Compliance:
- Support implementation and maintenance of ASME Section III and VIII programs for nuclear and pressure boundary components
- Provide oversight of fabrication, welding, material control, and inspection activities to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards
- Coordinate with the Authorized Nuclear Inspector (ANI) to ensure proper documentation, inspections, and certifications
QualificationsBasic QualificationsExperience:
- 8+ years in nuclear QA, manufacturing quality, or supplier quality engineering
- Demonstrated experience with inspection program administration, personnel qualification systems, or training program leadership
Technical Background:
- Strong working knowledge of NQA-1, ANSI N45.2.6, ASNT SNT-TC-1A, and DOE QA requirements
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality, Materials Science, or equivalent experience
Preferred QualificationsCertification(s) such as:
- NQA-1 Lead Auditor
- ASNT Level II/III or equivalent inspection certification authority experience
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or NDE certifications
Experience with:
- Inspector training program administration and certification authority roles
- Supplier verification / source inspection programs
- High-consequence environments (DOE, nuclear, defense, or pressure vessel manufacturing)
Proven ability to:
- Lead cross-functional QA initiatives
- Communicate effectively with engineering, procurement, regulators, and executive leadership
- Drive improvements in quality systems and training effectiveness
Key Competencies- Deep understanding of nuclear QA compliance and inspection program rigor
- Strong leadership in training, qualification, and personnel certification systems
- Expertise in supplier quality, procurement compliance, and traceability
- High attention to detail with a proactive approach to risk identification and resolution
- Experience with Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-reliability environments
- Excellent technical writing skills, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with management, technical teams, and all departments within the organization, along with strong problem-solving abilities.
Requirements: - Based in the United States
- Willing to work on-site in Austin, TX
What We Offer:- Competitive salary based on experience
- Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Corporate Gym Membership
Additional Information: Direct applicants only. No recruiters or staffing agencies, please.
