Quality Control Manager

X-energy•Oak Ridge, TN

1d•$110,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for hiring and developing a high-performing team of quality control professionals focused on manufacturing excellence for nuclear fuel pebble production. The role is primarily intended to ensure manufacturing and quality control (QC) activities across our manufacturing facility by implementing standardized QC protocols and performing rigorous in-process and final product inspections. This position will interface with operational leadership to identify manufacturing risks, communicate quality requirements, and ensure regulatory compliance with 10 CFR 70 and 10 CFR 71, and quality standards such as ISO 9001, and ASME NQA-1. The role will be responsible for expanding the existing Quality Management System to incorporate manufacturing-specific requirements and establishing a phased QC plan that prioritizes critical processes. This role will also be responsible for receipt inspection and limited calibration activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) or related field from an ABET accredited college or university. Additionally, non-STEM degrees (i.e., business management, supply chain, project management, quality, technology associates degrees, etc.) will be considered in conjunction with prior work experience and training on a case-by-case scenario.
Typically requires 10 years of experience with including eight years of experience performing QC activities and oversight in a manufacturing environment, and QC inspection, test, and/or oversight of fabrication in the nuclear industry.
Comprehensive knowledge, understanding of, and ability to interpret and apply various nuclear/non-nuclear Quality Standards to include but not limited to 10 CFR 50 App B, 10 CFR 21, ASME NQA-1, ISO 9001.
Strong knowledge of process control, in-process inspections, and final product verification techniques.
Experience in risk assessment and mitigation specifically related to manufacturing processes.
Ability to expand and adapt quality management systems to incorporate manufacturing-specific requirements.
Experience with managing change control within manufacturing environments and updating inspection plans to reflect design revisions.
Ability to interpret inspection results, identify trends, and recommend corrective measures.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing quality control programs.

Nice To Haves

Fabrication experience may be considered to augment some years of QC experience.
Familiarity with nuclear QA/QC standards specifically 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, 10 CFR 21 and 10 CFR 21; and or relevant industry certifications (e.g., ASME NQA-1) are advantageous.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive Quality Control strategy for manufacturing nuclear fuel pebbles, verification of facility items relied on for safety and development of monitoring and escalation protocols within operations.
Expand the existing Quality Management System (QMS) to incorporate manufacturing specific quality control requirements, focusing on adaptability to evolving customer requirements.
Establish and implement a phased Quality Control plan for manufacturing verification, prioritizing critical processes while planning for future scalability.
Conduct routine and special inspections, audits, and evaluations of input materials, nuclear fuel product, nuclear material transportation packages, facility safety components, and systems to verify compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
Perform or supervise tests, measurements, and analyses on material in-process and final fuel product, and related systems to verify performance, safety, and compliance.
Perform and validate calibration of quality control laboratory equipment. Additionally, supervise the monitoring of measuring and test equipment utilized throughout the facility.
Lead investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective/preventive actions for quality product and facility equipment nonconformances, specifically oversight of 10 CFR 21 issues.
Ensure adherence to nuclear regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and customer specifications.
Work closely with project managers, engineers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to resolve quality issues and implement improvements.
Proactively identify and mitigate manufacturing risks through close working relationships with strategic partners.
Interface with senior management to communicate manufacturing quality status and potential impacts on schedule or product integrity.
Support Engineering, QA, Supplier Quality and Procurement teams by communicating relevant corrective actions, non-conformances, and deficiencies from QC activities.
Maintain accurate quality records, and audit trails for regulatory and operational purposes.
Recruit, train, and manage specialized Quality Control technicians, maintaining a flexible mix of permanent and temporary personnel (as needed).
Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
Perform other duties as assigned by manager.