Quality Engineer & EHS Specialist

NRG Energy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

NRG Energy in Houston is looking for a Quality Assurance Lead to oversee quality assurance and Environmental Health & Safety programs. The role is focused on ensuring compliance with quality standards, OSHA/EPA regulations, and driving continuous improvement in product quality and workplace safety.

With 5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance, the candidate will lead audits, develop quality documentation, and cultivate relationships with suppliers to enhance quality processes. A Bachelor’s degree in an applied science or engineering field is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance in manufacturing.
• Strong record in utilizing quality systems.
• Valid state driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality assurance and EHS programs.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulations.
• Provide leadership for quality action plans and procedures.

Skills

Quality Management

Lean Six Sigma

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an applied science or engineering field

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for leading quality assurance and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) programs. Ensures compliance with quality standards, OSHA/EPA regulations, and internal policies. Drives continuous improvement in product quality, workplace safety, and environmental performance.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• Lead challenge reviews of travelers with the plant, ETS, and CRS to peer‑check quality plans before work begins.
• Create and develop quality documentation, including:
  • Data sheets by integrating information from drawings and manuals.
  • Maintenance instructions.
• Perform NCRs and RCAs—author, drive teams, and document results to ensure quality issues are addressed with actions that prevent recurrence.
• Lead customer feedback surveys—coordinate requests to customers, maximize response rates, and compile results.
• Lead ISO audit—schedule, coordinate, and work with auditors and shop personnel to maintain CRS compliance.
• Ensure compliance of measuring and testing equipment—oversee calibration maintenance.
• Lead the weekly traveler inspection process—assign responsibilities, perform inspections, compile results, and report on traveler auditing.
• Review completed travelers to verify all quality steps have been followed.
• Monitor quality performance—gather data, collate, and analyze for statistical reporting.
• Develop and maintain detailed quality reporting structures—prepare written reports, slide presentations, and discuss results with management to promote transparency and continuous improvement of KPIs and metrics.
• Identify gaps in quality processes and develop or improve procedures using standardized best‑practice approaches.
• Formulate goals, objectives, policies, and systems to enhance QA/QC and support related activities at CRS.
• Identify projects that foster a quality mindset culture.
• Develop relationships with suppliers and subcontractors—visit supplier shops, perform quality reviews, and drive RCAs for sub‑contracted work.
• Identify and deliver relevant quality‑related training to enhance performance.
• Monitor overall quality performance and identify improvement opportunities through lessons‑learned communications and training.
• Ensure quality action plans and procedures are understood, executed, and evaluated.
• Provide leadership to staff to ensure proper completion of quality checks, sign‑offs, checklists, and processes.
• Participate in external quality reviews at plants for planned outages.
• Serve as the point of contact for customers (plants) on all quality issues.
• Improve process quality using Lean Six Sigma tools.
• Oversee metrics: defect‑rate reduction, first‑pass yield improvement, cost of poor quality (COPQ), TRIR, incident reduction, and audit findings closure rate.

Key Responsibilities – EHS

• Oversee EHS program and ensure OSHA/EPA compliance.
• Lead safety audits, inspections, and incident investigations.
• Track safety metrics (TRIR, near misses, recordables).
• Oversee hazardous materials and environmental compliance.

Safety Culture & Engagement

• Lead behavior‑based safety (BBS) programs.
• Conduct safety meetings, training, and toolbox talks.
• Drive employee engagement in safety reporting and prevention.

Working Conditions

• Normal office and maintenance shop environment.
• Some overtime required for special projects.
• Travel to plants, contractors/vendors, and corporate offices will be required.

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance for a customer product manufacturer.
• 5+ years of experience in Quality Management and Quality Audit systems.
• A strong record of success in utilizing quality systems in manufacturing, engineering, supplier, or distributor environments.
• Valid state driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an applied science or engineering field.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt—or similar quality‑focused program.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with SAP or ERP systems.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to manage complex projects to closure, attention to detail, and creative problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a matrix organizational environment.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and deliver positive outcomes beyond direct control.
• Computer literacy including Internet, Excel, Word, SAP, etc.
• Demonstrates alignment with NRG’s values and a learning mindset.
• Exhibits socially responsible practices.
• Demonstrates accountability for decisions and takes responsibility for outcomes.
• Demonstrates a track record of personal and professional growth.

Physical Requirements

• Combination of shop floor and office responsibilities.
• High interaction with operations, leadership, and contractors.
• Occasional lifting as appropriate.
• Requires standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect, or collect data.
• Ability to climb multiple flights of stairs to service or inspect turbine deck and associated work.
• Requires wearing personal protective equipment (respirators, safety glasses, hard hat, appropriate footwear, ear plugs, etc.).
• May be required to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals.

EEO: AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on applicant’s experience or skills.

Official description on file with Talent.