Quality Assurance Engineer - Nuclear

IMI; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401K plan with matching

Maternity leave (14 weeks)

Job summary

IMI plc is seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to establish QA requirements and procedures ensuring products meet customer specs and industry standards. You will manage audits, drive continuous improvement, and coordinate client and third-party inspections.

The role requires extensive QA and auditing experience, including nuclear QA exposure, and a strong background in manufacturing environments. Travel up to 15% is anticipated, with competitive health and retirement benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited four-year institution.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a Quality Assurance role.
• At least 1 year of auditing experience; 3+ years preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a Nuclear Quality Assurance environment preferred.
• Experience implementing, maintaining, or updating a Quality Assurance Program.
• Experience in manufacturing environments producing finished products from raw materials; valve manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret customer orders and specifications to identify applicable quality requirements.
• Prepare Job Quality Requirement (JQR) documents to align customer needs with internal QA programs.
• Develop and implement inspection and testing standards, including acceptance criteria, to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Monitor quality performance and conformance throughout the product lifecycle, from design to shipment.
• Coordinate customer and third-party inspections with internal Quality Control personnel.
• Lead internal audits and some supplier audits.
• Review audit results and participate in NIAC-related activities as needed.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Auditing

Nuclear QA

QA Program

Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

IMI plc
We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world – creating lasting impact for everyone.
We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science and Fluid Control, and Transport.
Our partnership approach breaks through problems and reduces complexity. We don’t invent in isolation – we collaborate with our customers. We listen closely and we think differently, creating space for diverse minds to innovate. We are working together to make businesses safer, more sustainable and more productive.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including those who may require employment sponsorship now or in the future.

Role Overview:

The Quality Assurance Engineer is responsible for establishing quality requirements and procedures to ensure products and Quality Assurance (QA) programs comply with customer specifications and industry standards. This role manages day-to-day priorities, supports internal and external audits, and contributes to continuous improvement efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret customer orders and specifications to identify applicable quality requirements.
• Prepare Job Quality Requirement (JQR) documents to align customer needs with internal QA programs.
• Develop and implement inspection and testing standards, including acceptance criteria, to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Monitor quality performance and conformance throughout the product lifecycle, from design to shipment.
• Evaluate work repair instructions and recommend changes to ensure compliance.
• Review certifications for procured items to confirm contractual and regulatory compliance.
• Approve supplier procedures and specifications; review and process Change Orders.
• Serve as a liaison with customers on quality-related matters.
• Coordinate customer and third-party inspections with internal Quality Control personnel.
• Compile QA documentation for submittal to customers.
• Support customer deviation requests when necessary.
• Analyze and maintain the company’s QA program to align with current industry standards; recommend improvements.
• Manage quality-related priorities including incoming order reviews, production support, and shipment releases.
• Delegate tasks to other Quality Engineers as needed.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce lead times.
• Support and participate in audits from regulatory agencies and customers.
• Lead internal audits and some supplier audits.
• Review and assess audit results shared by the Nuclear Industry Assessment Committee (NIAC).
• Act as the company’s alternate NIAC representative.
• Support maintenance of the Nuclear Approved Supplier List.

Qualifications and Required Skills:

To perform this role successfully, candidates must meet the following qualifications. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (with a strong metallurgical background) from an accredited four-year institution.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a Quality Assurance role.
• At least 1 year of auditing experience; 3+ years preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a Nuclear Quality Assurance environment preferred.
• Experience implementing, maintaining, or updating a Quality Assurance Program.
• Experience in manufacturing environments producing finished products from raw materials; valve manufacturing preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Familiarity with ASME, NQA-1, 10CFR50 Appendix B, and 10CFR Part 21.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as ISO 9001; familiarity with NACE and API preferred.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting specifications and Material Test Reports (MTRs).
• Working knowledge of Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) techniques, including Penetrant Testing (minimum).
• Basic understanding of welding practices per ASME Section IX.
• Understanding of material traceability in manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Commercial Grade Item Dedication (CGID); hands‑on experience preferred.
• Familiarity with inspection tools, techniques, and blueprint reading preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP systems.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Additional Requirements

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong problem-solving and creative thinking abilities.
• Understanding of international business etiquette and time zone considerations.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 15%.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Pay range

Pay range : $125,000 - $155,000

Bonus eligibility

This position is also eligible for a variable incentive pay component, separate from base salary.

Health & Safety

The physical demands described within the Key Duties & Responsibilities section of this job description are required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Please contact your local HR representative to discuss the specific Work Conditions and Physical Requirements of this role.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Duties – At IMI we are all personally committed to protecting our people, minimizing our impact to the environment, the communities we operate in and our company. All members of our workforce have the duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves, others, and the environment. Every employee is expected to follow all HSE operating procedures, also to challenge any observed behaviors or unsafe acts.

Changes To This Job Description
IMI may amend this job description in whole or part at any time.
IMI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.

What IMI Can Offer You

At IMI, one of our top priorities is to create an inclusive culture of health. We strive to remove barriers to care (whether that be physical or financial) and in doing so, we offer choice for all your health and wellbeing needs.

See below for a general overview of our amazing perks and benefits:

• Multiple health plans to choose from: HMO, PPO, and High Deductible Health Plans with a low-cost share
• Best-in-class 401K plan with zero vesting and up to 6% contribution matching
• 14-week maternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• 4-week paternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• Employee Resource Groups that offer community and support, like our Pride Network and Network of Women groups
• PTO, encompassing inclusive holidays
• Career Development opportunities (IMI’s ‘Catalyst’ Program)
• Employer contribution for Health Savings Account, and in many cases free virtual telemedicine, and teletherapy.
• Mental Health and wellness programs to support you and your family
• Full suite of voluntary benefits to tap into, including but not limited to: Critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, legal insurance, identity theft protection, and pet insurance or home & auto insurance through our discount advantage platform
• Short & long-term disability as well as basic life insurance at 2x your basic salary at no cost to the employee
• Free financial advisors, webinars, and classes through Charles Schwab
• Annual Employee Stock Purchase Plan with option to purchase IMI shares at a reduced employee only price - no opportunity to lose, only to profit or refund your investment 100%