Quality Assurance Manager

Blykalla

13h • Onsite

About The Position

Blykalla is building the first lead-cooled Small Modular Reactor (SMR) program in the United States, known as the Fjäll program, with planned activities connected to Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This is a unique opportunity for a Quality Assurance Manager to define how nuclear quality is implemented from day one. The role involves leading quality assurance for Blykalla’s US program, ensuring full compliance with US nuclear standards while developing a practical, auditable, and defensible system. As a first-wave leadership role, the manager will establish the US QA function, shape the collaboration between US and Swedish operations, and build the foundation for QA as the program scales. The Fjäll program aims for first criticality in 2027 and is supported by approximately EUR 50M in funding. Every hire is foundational, and decisions made in this role will directly influence the reactor's design, procurement, construction, and licensing under the DOE Authorization pathway. The position requires close collaboration with the Head of US Project Development and a strong working relationship with Blykalla’s VP of Engineering and QA leadership in Stockholm. Blykalla is dedicated to developing next-generation nuclear technology to decarbonize industries and provide safe, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions, utilizing uranium nitride fuel and lead coolant.

Requirements

• 7+ years of nuclear quality assurance experience, with hands-on implementation of NQA-1.
• Demonstrated track record implementing and auditing nuclear QA programs and procedures.
• Working knowledge of QA classification, graded approach, and commercial grade dedication.
• Experience managing supplier QA, audits, and corrective action processes.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, quality, or a related discipline.
• Strong written communication skills; comfortable drafting procedures, program documents, and regulator-facing submittals.
• Ability to operate effectively in a founder-stage environment where the QA function is being built, not inherited.
• US work authorization.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the DOE Authorization process, 10 CFR Part 830 Subpart A, and DOE O 414.1D.
• Experience with advanced reactor, first-of-a-kind, or demonstration programs.
• Prior engagement with INL, DOE laboratories, or the broader US advanced nuclear ecosystem.
• Experience bridging international QA frameworks (e.g., ISO 9001, IAEA GSR Part 2) with US nuclear QA practice.
• Experience with broader management systems (e.g., HSE, nuclear security).
• Lead QA auditor qualification (e.g., ASME NQA-1).

Responsibilities

• Define how nuclear QA is implemented in practice for Blykalla’s US program.
• Ensure Blykalla’s corporate QA program is implemented in the US in full compliance with 10 CFR Part 830 Subpart A, DOE O 414.1D, and NQA-1.
• Identify US-specific requirements, adapt corporate procedures where needed, and ensure the QA approach is robust and defensible with regulators and partners.
• Work closely with Blykalla’s Swedish QA organization to align US implementation with corporate QA practices.
• Resolve US–Sweden QA differences early and ensure a single coherent QA posture across the program.
• Lead QA implementation across Fjäll’s US activities, including design interface, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Drive rollout of QA procedures and training in the US, and build the US QA team as the program scales.
• Apply a graded approach to QA classification of structures, systems, and components for Fjäll’s US scope.
• Prevent nuclear scope creep into conventional systems, protect the program from unnecessary cost and schedule burden, and ensure classification decisions are defensible to regulators and partners.
• Lead QA oversight of US suppliers, contractors, and consultants working on Fjäll.
• Support supplier qualification, commercial grade dedication, surveillance, and receipt inspection.
• Plan and execute internal and supplier audits, and support external assessments by DOE, BEA, and third parties.
• Extend QA into a broader Management System, including Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) and nuclear security.
• Build capability across HSE and nuclear security over time through hires and external support as the program scales.
• Ensure Fjäll operates under an integrated Management System, not siloed QA.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of this role.
• Base salary: $140,000–$180,000 annually, depending on experience and background.
• Equity participation
• Comprehensive benefits through Deel, including medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401(k)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager