Supplier Quality Engineer III

X-energy•Oak Ridge, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Supplier Quality Engineer III is a key member of the TRISO-X Quality team responsible for ensuring that materials, components, and services procured from external suppliers meet stringent nuclear quality standards. This role serves as the primary interface between TRISO-X and its supply chain, conducting supplier audits, qualifying new suppliers, and managing incoming material acceptance under NQA-1 requirements. The position places particular emphasis on Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) and qualification of software used in TRISO fuel manufacturing processes. This is an individual contributor role with potential for direct reports as the supply chain and quality organization grow.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Materials Science, or related technical field
5-8 years of experience in quality assurance/quality engineering in a manufacturing environment
Experience with supplier quality management, auditing, and qualification processes
Demonstrated experience with NQA-1 or similar nuclear quality standards (ASME NQA-1, ISO 19443, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B)
Experience with incoming material inspection and acceptance processes
Experience with quality management in regulated industries (nuclear, aerospace, medical devices, or automotive)
Working knowledge of NQA-1 quality requirements (willing to train, but prior experience strongly preferred)
Understanding of NQA-1 Subpart 2.7 (Quality Assurance Requirements for Computer Software) highly desired
Familiarity with Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) processes
Knowledge of manufacturing processes, inspection methods, and quality control techniques
Understanding of statistical process control (SPC) and quality tools (FMEA, control plans, MSA)
Proficiency with quality management systems and documentation control
Strong auditing and assessment skills with ability to identify quality risks and noncompliances
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and supplier interactions
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical procedures
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in nuclear quality environment
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
Comfortable with 30-40% domestic travel for supplier audits and assessments

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred
Previous experience in nuclear fuel manufacturing, nuclear component fabrication, or nuclear supply chain
Direct experience with NQA-1 Subpart 2.7 software quality requirements
Hands-on experience with software validation and Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD)
ASQ certifications: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Lead Auditor certification
Experience with advanced manufacturing processes (powder metallurgy, ceramics, coating processes)
Knowledge of nuclear regulatory requirements (10 CFR Part 21, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B)
Experience with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, or similar)
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

Responsibilities

Lead supplier audits and assessments (on-site and remote) to verify compliance with NQA-1 and 10 CFR 50 Appendix B requirements
Develop and execute supplier qualification plans for new vendors supporting TRISO fuel production
Evaluate supplier quality management systems, manufacturing processes, and quality documentation
Review and approve supplier quality plans, inspection and test plans (ITPs), and quality records
Manage supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) and track closure of nonconformances
Monitor supplier performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Maintain qualified supplier list (QSL) and supplier quality documentation
Develop and maintain inspection and acceptance criteria for procured materials and components
Review supplier certificates of conformance (C of C) and source documentation
Perform or witness incoming inspections and tests as required by procurement specifications
Interface with receiving inspection and QC teams to ensure proper material acceptance
Manage nonconforming material disposition and supplier notification processes
Maintain traceability and quality records in accordance with NQA-1 requirements
Lead Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) activities for software procured from commercial suppliers
Qualify software used in TRISO fuel manufacturing processes (e.g., process control, data acquisition, manufacturing execution systems)
Apply NQA-1 Subpart 2.7 requirements to software quality assurance activities
Review and approve software documentation including requirements specifications, test reports, and validation records
Assess supplier software development processes and quality controls
Maintain software qualification documentation and configuration management records