Senior Program Manager, QA Vendor Audit - 519003

Tennessee Valley Authority; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Nuclear Power Group in Chattanooga, TN seeks a Senior Program Manager for QA Vendor Audit to lead audit teams and coordinate audits of supplier quality programs. The role focuses on maintaining the TVA Acceptable Supplier List, delivering independent reports and actionable recommendations to vendor senior management.

Open for relocation under federal travel regulations; posting open 10/20/2026 and closes 11/01/2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

Qualifications

• B.S. in engineering or science is required or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years power generation experience with at least 4 years influencing operations.
• Lead auditor certification (ANSI N45.2.23 or NQA-1) desirable; NUPIC ATL certification within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Provides independent vendor quality program audits and reports.
• Leads QA audits, surveillances and surveys to maintain TVA Acceptable Supplier List (ASL).
• Delivers sensitive, independent recommendations to vendor senior management to improve quality of supplied products.
• Coordinates external audits; maintains TVA ASL and QA self-evaluation data.
• Maintains audit schedule for Vendor Audit and Services; ensures timely resolution of findings.

Skills

Leadership

Audits

Verbal comms

Written comms

Security clearance

Education

B.S. in Engineering/Science

Job description

Senior Program Manager, QA Vendor Audit - 519003

Organization: Nuclear Power Group

Department: Quality Assurance & Services

Location: Chattanooga, TN

Relocation benefits are offered for this position and will be aligned with federal travel regulations

Posting Open: 10/20/2026

Posting Close: 11/01/2026 at 11:59 PM EST

Salary: Competitive

Position Purpose

Serves as the audit team leader, responsible for the performance of the team and technical consultants, and/or participates as an auditor who conducts major program audits and evaluations of vendors to maintain the TVA Acceptable Suppliers List (ASL). Develops audit reports identifying non-conformance issues and concerns and subsequently confers with supplier senior management to modify practices and procedures, utilization of assets and physical resources and implement administrative or technical processes which ensure the resolution of these issues. Audits are conducted independently using the NUPIC checklist, or equivalent, and may be technical or administrative in context, provide sensitive reports and recommendations which, when implemented, will positively influence the quality of operation of vendor’s program.

Job Dimensions

• Supervisory Responsibility — No.
• Budget Responsibility — No.

Principal Accountabilities

• Provides independent audit and review of vendor quality programs.
• Leads or participates in QA audits, surveillances, and commercial grade surveys of vendors to maintain the TVA ASL.
• Provides sensitive, independent reports and recommendations to vendor senior management to improve quality of supplied products to the industry.
• Participates, evaluates and/or approves audits/surveys/assessments conducted by external agencies. Results are used in verification/update of the TVA ASL and QA Self-Evaluation.
• Performs other functions as assigned including supplier annual reviews, peer reviews and attending training.
• Maintains/updates the audit schedule / matrix for Vendor Audit and Services (VAS) including maintaining the Acceptable Supplier List.
• Provides analysis of technical and quality problems from vendor audits and ensures tracking, trending and timely resolution of findings and evaluates the effectiveness of actions.
• May support or lead audits to determine the effectiveness of internal TVA QA program elements and other organizations which support the nuclear program.
• Significant travel within the US and occasionally outside the country is required.
• Supports Nuclear Industry Evaluation Program (NIEP) activities, as required.

Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements below meet or exceed ANSI/ANS 3.1-2014 standards.

• Education — B.S. degree in an engineering or scientific discipline or equivalent related experience is desirable. Highschool diploma is required.
• Experience — 7 years or more power generation experience in power plant design, construction, operations, maintenance, engineering, technical support, or quality assurance. At least 4 years of this experience should include positions having a major influence affecting operations of a power unit.
• Certification/License, etc. — Previous certification as lead auditor in accordance with ANSI N45.2.23 or NQA-1 is desirable. Will require NUPIC Audit Team Leader (ATL) certification within 12 months of hiring date. Certification to be maintained annually.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities — The incumbent must possess and demonstrate effective verbal and written communications skills, and strong leadership skills to manage QA oversight activities, effectively lead audit teams, and engage Vendor personnel proactively. Candidate may be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance based on position / access requirements and essential job functions. Significant travel within the US and occasionally outside the country is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA’s Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Drug-Free Workplace

All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA's Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at www.samhsa.gov/workplace . TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).