Directorate Quality Systems Strategist

Requisition Id 15606 

Overview:

The Quality Assurance Division (QAD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking qualified applicants for a Directorate Quality Systems Strategist (DQSS). This position provides support and leadership through expertise and informed input as a member of the customer directorate-level management team in the development and deployment of quality systems, processes, tools, and analytics required to implement quality requirements and enact effective performance management within the assigned directorate.

The DQSS serves as an individual contributor that reports to the Balance of Research Group within QAD, with deployed responsibilities to the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD). The DQSS will have regular interactions to determine quality and directorate initiatives within the Physical Sciences Directorate.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Ensures adherence to the quality management system.
• Facilitates the integration of quality into business, science, and technology processes.
• Monitors and advises on how the quality system is performing, which often includes data analysis and organizational performance monitoring in several areas including but not limited to quality.
• Coordinates with the directorate, line management, and quality staff to implement quality and directorate initiatives.
• Interacts with field deployed Quality Representatives to ensure effective customer service.
• Effectively identifies and understands customer needs, communicates quality principles that can be understood and applied within the unique aspects of research and development (R&D) or the support organization's work.
• Influences the prioritization and development of quality initiatives by maintaining a fundamental understanding of the customer's mission, vision, goals, key processes, and work elements.
• Applies a graded approach in the development of project plans, checklists, procedures, and guidance.
• Assists line managers/staff with the interpretation and implementation of Standards Based Management System related to quality.
• Develops quality plans, objectives, and provides input to proposals.
• Evaluates performance to achieve objectives and ensures research integrity.
• Establishes quality as a differentiator through the implementation of SBMS, policies, standards, procedures, and tools.
• Lead or participate in organizational assessments, critiques, analysis of results, interpretation of performance measurement data from events and external reviews, etc., then makes recommendations for improvement.
• Monitors, evaluates, and communicates appropriate organizational performance-related information to the line managers.
• Leads Laboratory-level improvement initiatives and special projects.
• Facilitates laboratory-level and directorate-level integration and development of performance metrics to monitor the laboratory agenda and PEMP milestones.
• Leads issues management to ensure customer satisfaction is maintained, funding reductions are minimized and issues that add risk to and hinder research objectives are not repeated.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS/BA degree in science, engineering, safety, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 8 years of quality experience.
• A working knowledge of recognized Quality Standards such as ISO 9001 and quality concepts.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Requires walking from building to building and may require going up and down stairs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exceptional teamwork, statistical skills, and a positive, meticulous nature with a penchant for detail and precision are required attributes.
• Experience in leading developing, revising and maintaining procedures and completing technical reports.
• Ability to use analytical skills to identify resolution of issues.
• Ability to positively interact with researchers, all management and staff levels.
• Demonstrated track record of investigation analysis and problem solving is required.
• Ability to grasp a diverse range of technical criteria and proactively recommend improvement opportunities that address organizational risks.
• Strong computer and organizational skills with the ability to multitask are required.
• Strong analytical skills, project management, customer service experience and the ability to independently understand, follow, explain, and implement complex instructions.
• Applicable experience and practical knowledge of specific scientific focus areas including Physics, Chemistry and/ or Materials Science.
• Strong technical background in ESH&Q, conduct of operations, quality assurance, configuration management, systems operability, and related fields are desired.
• Familiarity with ORPS, PAAA, and DOE regulations is desired. Auditor or assessor experience as well as proven decision-making skills are desired.
• Specific experience in Six Sigma methodologies and/or other process improvement methodologies as well as the ISO 9000 Quality Management System are considered pluses.

Special Requirements:

• Q or L clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
• Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

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.