Operational Excellence Specialist – Fuel Manufacturing

Framatome-North-America; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range

Health & Wellness

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Parental leave

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Framatome North America seeks an Operational Excellence Specialist – Fuel Manufacturing to lead Lean initiatives and continuous improvement across fuel manufacturing operations.

You will train teams, facilitate quality tools (A3, FMEA, 8D), and drive master plan development and digital transformation, interfacing with a global OpEx network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 6+ years of related experience.
• Knowledge of engineering standards, processes, tools, techniques and criteria.
• Ability to simplify complex topics and connect with operational context.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement processes, methods and metrics.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management.
• Ability to lead, motivate and effect change.

Responsibilities

• Conduct training on Quality & Continuous Improvement principles and problem solving.
• Facilitate A3 projects, FMEA, and other Quality Tools.
• Support Master Plan development and Digital Transformation initiatives.
• Provide reporting on VoC, Excellence System rollout, and performance plans.
• Interface with the Global OpEx Network.

Skills

Communication

Lean principles

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

FMEA

A3 Problem Solving

8D

Visual Management

Process Mapping

Job description

Why This Role Is Critical

As the need for nuclear energy grows, the future couldn’t be brighter. Join our vital mission to create lasting solutions for our planet’s greatest challenges. In this role, you are ready to shape the future of clean energy and make a long-lasting global impact. With us, anticipate engaging and challenging projects that deliver innovative solutions and value-added technologies helping power more than 38 million North American homes.

As the Operational Excellence Specialist – Fuel Manufacturing, you will apply Lean principles, problem‑solving methods, and continuous improvement tools to strengthen the performance, reliability, and safety of our fuel manufacturing operations. Your work directly supports the advancement of clean energy by optimizing critical processes, reducing waste, and driving operational excellence across the organization.

What You’ll Do Day-To-Day

• Conduct training:
  • Quality & Continuous Improvement (Principles of Excellence
  • A3 Problem Solving
  • Manager in Field
  • 8D Event Resolution
  • Visual Management
  • FMEA facilitation,
  • Workshop Mode (VSM, 5S, Process Mapping, etc.).
• Facilitate / Coach:
  • Flash Meetings
  • A3 Projects
  • FMEA (and other Quality Tools)
  • Performance Plans
  • Voice of the Customer
  • 8D Event Resolution
  • Visual Management Meetings
• Support Operating Unit Implementation Initiatives:
  • Master Plan (annual objective) Development and Maintenance
  • Digital Transformation (Process Mapping and associated A3s for Digital T.)
• Provide reporting:
  • VoC (based on Net Promoter Score)
  • Excellence System Rollout
  • FMEA
  • A3 Progress
  • Master Plan
  • Performance Plans
• Interface with Global OpEx Network

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field. Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of 6 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of related engineering standards, processes, tools, techniques and criteria.
• Ability to simplify complex topics and connect with operational context.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement processes, methods and metrics.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management.
• Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to lead, motivate and effect change.

Total Rewards Package

• Salary: $94,000 - $127,000, and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
• Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
• Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.

About Framatome

Framatome has been shaping the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. for more than 60 years. Framatome Inc. is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, with more than 2,400+ employees across North America supporting nearly every nuclear plant in the nation.

From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next-gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.

At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon-free energy. Here, you can:

• Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
• Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
• Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well-being.

Framatome is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOE810AppendixA).