Quality Assurance Lead Engineer

Zap Energy Inc.; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Zap Energy Inc. is seeking a Quality Assurance Team Lead to lead the QA efforts for the Zap Micro Reactor program. The successful candidate will develop and implement a structured QA program, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while leading a QA team. Candidates must have extensive QA experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, and strong technical and managerial skills. This role offers a competitive salary between $150,000 and $210,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as a QA team member or manager.
• Experience with ASME NQA-1 and NRC Licensing preferred.
• 2+ years of managing a team of three or more.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and implementation of the Quality Assurance program.
• Develop roadmap for QA Program implementation.
• Collaborate with engineering and procurement teams for QA compliance.

Skills

QA Program Development

Leadership

Technical Writing

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field

Job description

Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.

About the Opportunity

Zap Energy is seeking a Quality Assurance Team Lead to support the Zap Micro Reactor (ZMR) program. In this role, you will lead the Quality Assurance (QA) team to establish a right-sized QA Program, implement a graded approach that aligns with design phases and maturation of design, and integrate the QA Program throughout design, testing, procurement, fabrication, commissioning, and build. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in establishing, implementing, and operating within quality programs and standards, including ASME NQA-1, ISO 9001, ISO 19443, and/or GMP. This role requires identifying and solving ill-defined first-of-a-kind problems. Being a team player is foundational to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership: Plan, organize and lead the establishment, implementation, and adherence to the Quality Assurance program, including:
• Quality Assurance Program Description
• NRC and DOE Engagements
• Compliance with Federal Regulations, including 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B and 10 CFR Part 830.
• Quality Program Requirements
• Corrective Action Program
• Records/Document/Data Management
• Design and Test Control
• Configuration Control
• Procurement
• Line Manager: Build out the QA team. Act as line manager for your team. Develop and monitor metrics to assess and improve team performance. Own your team’s performance, delivery of scope, and their professional development.
• Individual Contribution: Develop roadmap for QA Program implementation and be accountable for its execution. Write graded, high-quality procedures and implementation guides. Plan and assign work packages to meet schedule milestones. Be the primary point of contact for the Zap QA Program.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work with the broader engineering and procurement teams to ensure QA program compliance. Actively identify areas for engineering and process improvement, including implementation of solutions.
• Supplier Collaboration: Organize and participate in supplier audits. Ensure QA Program requirements are met by suppliers. Review supplier submittals, including non‑conformance reports, requiring QA signature.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field from an ABET‑accredited program is required.
• Technical Experience: At least 8 years of experience as a member or manager of a QA team or Engineering team subject to QA Program. Experience implementing or modifying QA Program processes and procedures. Experience with managing technical documentation. Experience with ASME NQA-1 is preferred. Experience working within the NRC Licensing and/or DOE Authorization frameworks.
• Technical Skills: Firm understanding of the product lifecycle, including maturation of design and testing, and transition from design to fabrication, commissioning, and build. Ability to understand how a complex system works, including its key functions and characteristics. Ability to identify quality issues during shop walkdowns and oversight of fabrication and testing activities.
• Managerial Experience: At least 2 years of experience managing a team of three or more direct reports.
• Communication: Excellent technical writing skills and the ability to clearly present complex information to both internal and external stakeholders, including regulators. Proficiency in reducing complex standards into procedures and actionable work instructions.
• Licenses/Certifications: An NQA-1 Lead Auditor certification is a bonus.

Personal Attributes and Skills

• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and ethical standards in engineering, including the ability to infuse this commitment throughout the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Self‑starter and can‑do attitude.
• Familiarity and competence with basic program management processes and tools.
• Outside the box thinking, grounded in practical engineering solutions.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• The ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Adaptability, resilience, and commitment to continuous learning.

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range: $150,000‑210,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

Zap Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.