Quality Representative

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Quality Representative in the Quality Assurance Division to support nuclear operations through robust QA programs. You will lead assessments, supplier oversight, and nonconformance handling under ASME NQA-1 guidance, working with internal and external customers to ensure safety and compliance.

The role emphasizes independent work, practical QA oversight of facilities and projects, and effective implementation of quality requirements across

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering, science, quality assurance, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of nuclear-related quality assurance experience. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent QA support for safe and compliant nuclear and radiological operations per ASME NQA-1 and graded approach.
• Develop and review fabrication, inspection, and test plans with hold points and acceptance criteria.
• Review engineering, procurement, fabrication, maintenance and work-control documents to ensure QA requirements are included.

Skills

Nuclear QA

ASME NQA-1

Auditing

Quality Assurance

Education

BS in engineering/science/QA

Job description

Requisition Id17082

Overview:

The Quality Assurance Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Quality Representative with experience in nuclear quality assurance. The Quality Representative will collaborate with internal and external customers and other quality professionals to support nuclear operations through the effective implementation of quality assurance requirements. This position resides in Isotopes Enrichment & Facilities Quality Assurance (QA) Group and matrixed to the Technical Support Services Group within the Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities Division in the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at ORNL.

The position will provide independent quality assurance support and guidance for nuclear and radiological programs and projects, with an emphasis on implementing applicable ASME NQA-1 requirements and a graded approach to quality. Responsibilities encompass quality oversight, document review, inspection, verification, validation, supplier oversight, assessment, and continuous improvement activities involving systems, structures, components, items, services, and work processes.

ORNL is the largest U.S. Department of Energy science and energy laboratory. ORNL conducts basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling challenges in energy and national security. The Laboratory's diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling it to address fundamental scientific challenges and accelerate the delivery of innovative solutions.

The ideal candidate will possess practical knowledge of ASME NQA-1, demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently, and have experience conducting assessments or audits of nuclear facilities, projects, or operations.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide independent quality assurance support for the safe and compliant performance of nuclear and radiological operations in accordance with applicable ASME NQA-1 requirements and the established graded approach.
• Support the development and review of fabrication, inspection, and test plans, including appropriate hold points, witness points, acceptance criteria, and documentation requirements.
• Review engineering, procurement, fabrication, maintenance, and work-control documents to verify that applicable quality assurance requirements, technical specifications, and acceptance criteria are adequately incorporated.
• Provide supplier quality assurance oversight, including supplier evaluations, source inspections, receipt inspections, and review of associated documentation, to verify that procured items and services conform to established requirements.
• Witness or provide quality assurance oversight of factory acceptance testing to verify that equipment is tested in accordance with approved procedures and satisfies applicable engineering and quality requirements.
• Plan, lead, and perform assessments, audits, surveillances, and independent reviews of facilities, projects, suppliers, operations, and work in progress to evaluate compliance and the effectiveness of quality assurance program implementation.
• Serve as an ASME NQA-1 Lead Auditor or assessment team lead when qualified and assigned.
• Review and approve receipt inspection plans, receipt inspection results, and commercial-grade dedication documentation within the limits of assigned authority and qualification, and support the planning and implementation of commercial-grade dedication activities.
• Support the identification, documentation, evaluation, disposition, and closure of nonconforming conditions and other quality-related issues.
• Evaluate corrective and preventive actions associated with findings, nonconformances, events, and opportunities for improvement to determine whether the actions adequately address the identified conditions and whether sufficient objective evidence supports closure.
• Conduct independent reviews of documents, revisions, updates, and modifications involving software quality assurance requirements.
• Support event critiques and causal analyses, including the identification and evaluation of causes, corrective actions, preventive actions, and lessons learned.
• Develop and implement quality assurance plans, procedures, checklists, guidance, performance measures, and other tools to improve the effectiveness of management systems, projects, procurements, and operational activities.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external customers, suppliers, technical organizations, and management; communicate quality-related issues and risks; identify customer needs; and help prioritize quality assurance initiatives that support organizational and mission objectives.
• Perform other quality assurance duties consistent with the position's assigned responsibilities and travel as needed to support supplier assessments, source inspections, factory acceptance testing, and other quality assurance activities.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in engineering, science, quality assurance, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 8 years of nuclear-related quality assurance experience. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered (high school diploma with at least 12 years of nuclear-related quality assurance experience, or AS degree with at least 10 years of nuclear-related quality assurance experience).
• Working knowledge of ASME NQA-1 requirements and nuclear quality assurance principles and practices.
• Ability to qualify as a radiological worker.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, procurement documents, and other technical documentation and providing quality assurance oversight or inspection of fabricated items, equipment, and assemblies.
• Experience with nuclear procurement quality assurance activities, including supplier evaluations, source inspections, receipt inspections, factory acceptance testing, and commercial-grade dedication.
• Qualification or experience as an ASME NQA-1 Lead Auditor, assessment team lead, or assessor.
• Experience applying software quality assurance requirements and evaluating nonconforming conditions, corrective actions, and objective evidence supporting closure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical and quality-related matters effectively with personnel at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a nuclear facility or similarly regulated environment, establish priorities, manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing organizational and mission needs.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.