Quality Engineer - SMR Nuclear Programs

Holtec International; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid time off and 11 Paid Holidays

Training and educational assistance

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in New Jersey is seeking a Quality Engineer III to ensure the quality and compliance of Small Modular Reactor programs. This senior role involves oversight of project activities, technical guidance for internal teams, and ensuring adherence to nuclear standards. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree, experience with nuclear quality assurance, and strong technical aptitude. Competitive compensation between $95,000 and $115,000 is offered with excellent benefits and potential remote opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering or equivalent experience in nuclear quality.
• Strong understanding of nuclear regulatory requirements and quality assurance principles.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis and drive quality improvements.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight to ensure project activities meet regulatory standards.
• Lead investigations and corrective actions for quality management.
• Generate and review quality documentation and procedures.

Skills

Nuclear quality assurance

Regulatory compliance

Root cause analysis

Continuous improvement methodologies

Technical aptitude

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Associate’s degree with nuclear quality experience

High school diploma with quality experience

Tools

ISO 9000

Statistical process control (SPC)

Job description

The Quality Engineer III is a senior technical authority responsible for providing the quality and compliance foundation supporting Holtec’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programs. This role ensures SMR design, manufacturing, construction, and supplier activities comply with 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, NQA‑1, ASME Section III & VIII, ISO 9001, and other applicable regulatory and industry consensus standards.

Reporting directly to the SMR Quality Manager, the Quality Engineer III provides oversight, technical guidance, and leadership to internal teams and external suppliers to ensure the integrity of Holtec’s quality assurance program. This position plays a critical role in identifying, escalating, and resolving quality issues; coaching organizations on regulatory compliance; and driving continuous improvement across SMR programs.

Location: Camden, NJ (Travel and potential remote project assignments required).

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide senior‑level quality engineering oversight to ensure SMR project activities meet regulatory requirements, codes, standards, and approved procedures
• Serve as a technical authority on nuclear quality requirements including 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, NQA‑1, ASME Section III & VIII, and ISO 9000
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve quality processes supporting SMR design, manufacturing, construction, inspection, and testing activities
• Perform defect trend analysis and root cause analysis related to nonconforming materials, processes, and systems
• Create, review, trend, and oversee Corrective Action Requests (CARs) and ensure timely and effective closure
• Generate, revise, and implement Holtec procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation
• Conduct and support internal surveillances, commercial grade surveys, and audits of Holtec operations and supplier facilities
• Provide technical support for design verification, testing, inspection, receiving inspection, and work‑in‑process activities
• Review quality and regulatory documentation packages to verify compliance with governing requirements
• Provide oversight for Measuring and Test Equipment (M&TE) calibration and control programs
• Support supplier quality activities including qualification, surveillance, audits, and performance evaluation
• Partner with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Project Teams to establish inspection, testing, and acceptance criteria
• Lead and support SMR quality investigations and corrective actions
• Support new‑hire quality training and annual retraining requirements across Holtec
• Manage, mentor, and train quality team members; support performance management and assist with hiring within the department

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Nuclear, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, or Controls preferred); OR Associate’s degree with a minimum of one (1) year of nuclear quality assurance (NQA‑1) experience; OR High school diploma with a minimum of three (3) years of nuclear quality assurance (NQA‑1) experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of nuclear quality and regulatory requirements, including 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, NQA‑1, ASME Section III & VIII, ASTM/ANSI standards, ISO 9000 / ISO 17025, and 10 CFR 21
• Proven commitment to nuclear safety culture and quality assurance principles in highly regulated environments
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to interpret engineering documentation, regulatory requirements, and quality records
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis, defect trending, corrective action programs, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Ability to develop, implement, and maintain quality processes, procedures, documentation, and quality management systems
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize work in fast‑paced, multi‑project environments
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and supplier organizations, serving as a technical quality liaison as needed
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including mentoring and supporting training, audits, surveillances, and supplier evaluations
• Experience supporting nuclear facilities or nuclear power plant construction activities preferred
• Lead Auditor (NQA‑1) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) credentials preferred
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), Six Sigma, Non‑Destructive Examination (NDE) methods (VT, PT, MT, UT, RT), and Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) programs preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel and support on‑site or remote project assignments as required

Compensation

• Annual compensation based on skills and experience ranging from $95,000 to $115,000
• Additional compensation earned through incentive structure

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and 11 Paid Holidays
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness resources and voluntary benefits
• Training and educational assistance