Quality Assurance Engineer

WA River Protection Solutions; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

WA River Protection Solutions is seeking multiple QA Engineers for the Hanford site to provide QA/QC oversight across DFLAW and Tank Farm activities. Roles include supplier qualification, audits, and development of QA procedures, with opportunities to mentor junior staff. Travel between Richland, WA is expected; positions support field and office work with emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance. This environment rewards practical problem solving and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science or related field with 2+ years related experience.
• Note the essential duties scale with grade level and responsibility.
• Nuclear industry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Quality & Vendor Oversight: review ESL, vendor QA programs, and submittals.
• Audits, Assessments & Surveillances: lead external and internal audits; skilled in planning and execution.
• Program, Procedures & Regulatory Conformance: develop/review QA procedures; monitor regulatory changes.
• Field & Project Execution Support: provide field QA oversight and ensure compliance with documents.

Skills

Audit Leadership

Vendor Oversight

NQA-1 Auditor

CWI Certification

Nuclear QA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Science

Tools

ASME NQA-1

Job description

Job Responsibilities/Duties

The anticipated start date for this position is dependent upon operational and training needs and could be scheduled as late as April 2027.

Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) leads the nation's largest and most complex radioactive waste cleanup effort. Every day, our teams work to safely remove, treat, and dispose of 56 million gallons of legacy tank waste at the Hanford Site in Richland, Washington.

When you join H2C, you become part of a team dedicated to creating "The Solution Today for a Better Tomorrow." Guided by our Vision, Mission, Values, and Behaviors, we work together with integrity, innovation, and accountability. We empower our workforce, encourage continuous improvement, and celebrate achievements as we make measurable progress toward tank waste cleanup and long-term site closure. At H2C, your work has a meaningful impact—today and for future generations.

H2C is seeking multiple Quality Assurance Engineers (QAE) across several focus areas, including procurement and supply quality, auditing, and procedure/requirements development. Candidates will be assigned specific responsibilities based on the type of QAE role for which they are hired.

H2C seeks qualified and experienced QA Engineers—up to and including Senior-level—to provide comprehensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control oversight across the Direct Feed Low Activity Waste (DFLAW) scope and Tank Farm activities. Under general supervision, these roles support supplier qualification and maintenance, the implementation and continuous improvement of QA instructions and procedures, and the planning and execution of internal and external audits/assessments to ensure effective, compliant performance from award through fabrication/construction to operational acceptance testing.

These positions interface frequently with engineering, nuclear safety, environmental, procurement, construction, testing, operations, and other project disciplines, serving as QA Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) committed to practical, "Make It Better" continuous improvement.

Major Responsibilities

Supplier Quality & Vendor Oversight

• Maintain the Evaluated Suppliers List (ESL) for assigned suppliers, performing required initial and periodic reviews of supplier quality programs.
• Apply QA methods and techniques in Vendor Oversight, including subcontractor oversight planning, fabrication oversight, inspection and testing plans, and vendor documentation reviews.
• Review and approve supplier qualifications, QA programs, procedures, and vendor submittals for compliance with governing requirements.

Audits, Assessments & Surveillances

• Serve as Audit Team Lead (ATL) to prepare, plan, and conduct external supplier/subcontractor audits for ESL qualification and maintenance; frequent travel is required.
• Serve as ATL to prepare, plan, and conduct internal audits/assessments of the project QA program at the Richland, WA office to verify effective implementation.
• Plan and execute surveillances—internally and at vendor facilities—with aligned witness points, hold points, and acceptance criteria based on applicable codes and design documents.
• Participate in QA audits, surveillances, and self assessments; verify adequacy and completion of corrective actions for identified issues.
• Provide training and mentoring to prospective Audit Team Lead candidates and broader project teams on QA expectations and best practices.

Program, Procedures & Regulatory Conformance

• Develop, review, and approve QA procedures, guides, and instructions in accordance with governing procedures; ensure alignment with the DFLAW QA program and H2C standards.
• Review and report on new or revised regulatory/contractual requirements and evaluate impacts on the established QA program; drive updates and implementation as appropriate.
• Ensure incorporation of QA requirements into assigned work scopes, SOWs, specifications, drawings, and procurement documents.

Field & Project Execution Support

• Provide field based QA oversight of subcontractors and activities, including proper PPE requirements prior to entering radiological or contamination controlled areas.
• Provide QA support to ensure items are built, installed, modified, replaced, or removed in accordance with governing documents and acceptance criteria.
• Monitor project activities across engineering, nuclear safety, environmental, procurement, construction, testing, and operations to evaluate product quality, activity quality, and program effectiveness.
• Identify QA risks, prevent quality issues, and recommend improvements to address potential deficiencies or program weaknesses.
• Collaborate as a QA SME with internal stakeholders to develop practical solutions and strategies that strengthen delivery of work scopes across DFLAW and Tank Farm facilities.

Required Qualifications

Grade 16:

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Engineering, Science or related field and 2 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

- Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is larger, and the expected level of performance is increased.

Grade 17:

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Engineering, Science or related field and 4 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

- Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is larger, and the expected level of performance is increased.

Grade 18:

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Engineering, Science or related field and 6 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

- Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is significantly larger, and the expected level of performance is greatly increased.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous Quality Assurance Experience in the nuclear industry.
• Previous experience in oversight of civil and mechanical construction.
• Previous experience in oversight of vendors, to include shop fabrication.
• Current or previous qualification as a NQA-1 Lead Assessor/Auditor.
• Current or previous qualification as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
• Working knowledge of American Concrete Institute and International Building Code
• Working knowledge of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) NQA-1-2008/2009A or equivalent edition.

Compensation & Benefits

In accordance with the company's philosophy on compensation for exempt and salaried non-exempt employees, H2C takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining initial grade and salary to include assigned job scope and responsibility, a candidate's qualifications as compared to internal comparators performing in a similar role, and the external labor market. A salary offer will be made at the appropriate grade level and within the targeted hiring range posted according to these factors. Note a candidate's prior salary history will not be taken into consideration.

Hiring Range Minimum: $90,150

Hiring Range Maximum: $137,538

H2C offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical/dental/vision, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off. For a full list of benefits please visit https://hmis.hanford.gov/hr/page.cfm/HEWTBenefits

• A business casual dress work environment: jeans are permissible (restrictions may apply).
• Opportunity for work/life balance: a standard 4 x 10 work schedule, allowing more personal time to enjoy life outside of the office (other schedules and/or shift work may be required).
• Note: employment at H2C involves working in the office or in the field depending on the role.

Relocation Funding Provided Yes

U.S. Citizenship Required Yes

Clearance Required No

Job Classification Exempt

Shift Work Required No

As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, H2C abides by federal statutory requirements of 41 CFR § 60-300.5 VEVRAA Protected Veterans, 41 CFR § 60-741.5 Workers with Disabilities, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and state and local requirements.

These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, age, sex, and national origin. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants and employees have rights under Federal and State Employment Laws and are protected against discrimination. To view information regarding these rights, please click on these links: