Nuclear Quality Manager

ZettaJoule; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Remote options

Health benefits

Vacation / Sick leave

Job summary

ZettaJoule, a next-generation nuclear technology startup in the United States, seeks a founding Quality leader to build and drive the Quality Management Program for HTGR design, manufacturing, and operations. You will partner with engineering, procurement, and regulatory teams to ensure NRC and international standards are met.

Lead audits, CAPs, and supplier quality oversight, while shaping the QA function from the ground up.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field required.
• 8+ years in nuclear quality management or QA leadership roles.
• Direct experience with NRC inspectors and licensing staff.
• Strong knowledge of ASME NQA-1, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, ISO 9001, IAEA standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the ZJ Quality Management Program for HTGR design, manufacturing, and operations.
• Ensure compliance with NRC requirements and regulatory expectations.
• Lead audits, CAPs, root-cause analyses, and supplier quality oversight.
• Serve as primary liaison with NRC during licensing, inspections, and audits.
• Coordinate QA manuals, document control, and cross-functional quality initiatives.
• Train and mentor staff across leadership, engineering, procurement, and project delivery.
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies (NRC, NRA) on licensing and cross-border matters.

Skills

NQA-1 knowledge

ASME NQA-1

NRC licensing liaison

Quality management leadership

Auditing & CAP

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

We are a next-generation nuclear technology startup pioneering the commercialization of High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs) — a proven, safe, and transformative technology for delivering ultra-high-temperature heat and enabling a carbon-neutral future.

Our mission is to deploy the world’s first global fleet of Advanced Modular Reactors, redefining how clean energy powers industries, communities, and economies.

As a fast-growing company in its early stage, every team member plays a direct role in shaping our technology, culture, and impact. You’ll join a collaborative, mission-driven team of internationally recognized experts and innovators working together to bring advanced nuclear energy to the world.

The Role

Lead the initial development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the ZettaJoule Quality Management Program for HTGR design, manufacturing, construction, and operational activities, ensuring full compliance with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements. As a founding Quality leader, you will shape the Quality function from the ground up, working closely with engineering, procurement, and regulatory teams to build a world-class nuclear quality program.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the ZJ Quality Management program in accordance with 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B, ISO 9001, NQA-1, IAEA quality standards and other quality management systems that ensure products and services provided by ZJ are consistently delivered that meet regulatory requirements and exceed customer expectations.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the ZJ Quality Assurance Manual and other supporting the quality management program, policies and directives consistent with nuclear industry norms and practices.
• Manage supplier and vendor quality oversight, audits, and surveillance for component fabrication.
• Primary liaison with the NRC during licensing, inspections, and audits.
• Manage nonconformance reports, corrective action programs (CAP), and root cause analyses.
• Support NRC license applications, design certifications, and construction permits.
• Coordinate with international regulatory bodies, including Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), on cross-border supply chain and licensing matters
• Lead internal and external audits per ASME NQA-1 standards.
• Train and mentor ZJ staff across leadership, management, engineering, procurement, and project delivery functions.
• Ensure established document control systems meet required Quality Assurance standards.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of nuclear quality management, assurance leadership experience, including but not limited to traditional light water reactors or advanced reactors. .
• Demonstrated experience working directly with NRC inspectors and licensing staff.
• Strong working knowledge of ASME NQA-1, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, ISO 9001, and IAEA quality standards.
• Availability to travel internationally

Certifications

No specific certifications required at time of hire; see “Even Better” for valued credentials.

Must be authorized to work in the United States. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be required for access to certain controlled nuclear technology.

Even Better

• Experience with bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements (U.S.–Japan).
• Familiarity with Japanese industrial quality systems (JEAC/JEAG standards).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• International nuclear QA experience, specifically engagement with Japanese regulatory authorities (NRA) and/or Japanese nuclear suppliers.
• Certified Lead Auditor (ASQ CQA or equivalent).

Why Work for Us

• Flexible hours & remote options.
• Health / Life / Disability benefits.
• Vacation / Sick leave.
• Work alongside internationally recognized experts shaping the future of nuclear energy.

EEO Statement

ZettaJoule is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.