Nuclear Quality Representative

Requisition Id 14916 

Overview:

We are seeking a Nuclear Quality Representative who will focus on implementing Quality program requirements in support of Research and Development (R&D) and Pilot Production activities progressing toward Demonstration and Production within the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED).  This position resides in the Isotope Enrichment & Facilities Group within QAD, Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and is matrixed to the Systems & Process Assurance (SPA) Section within ESED.  

As a Field Deployed Quality Representative, you will work with internal and external customers and other quality professionals to provide independent quality assurance support for the development of quality philosophy, techniques, procedures, process improvements, strategic planning, and other quality-related initiatives. The position encompasses a wide range of quality oversight, review, verification and validation of internal and external systems, items, and components.

Ideal candidates will have in-depth experience of how to apply and implement Quality Program requirements in a Research and Development environment. Knowledge and experience of educating the workforce on the application of a graded approach to quality is essential. The ideal candidate will also have a DOE Security Clearance allowing them the ability to work with classified systems and information.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work independently to provide quality assurance support for implementation of a graded approach to quality requirements within an R&D environment, with increasing rigor as R&D progresses through research/technical maturity toward Demonstration, Pilot Production and/or Production activities.

• Identify and understand customer needs while influencing the prioritization and development of quality initiatives.

• Provide guidance and support development of project plans, checklists, procedures, and guidelines for efficient and effective deployment of management systems and organizations supported.

• Plan and lead assessments to evaluate the health of the overall quality program.

• Review actions associated with assessment findings and opportunities for improvement to ensure objective evidence is sufficient to support closure.

• Review procurement specifications, design specifications, fabrication procedures, maintenance work packages, and other documents for incorporation of appropriate quality controls.

• Assist in the development of fabrication and inspection plans and establishment of quality hold points.

• Provide quality planning assistance for various tasks, projects, procurements, work evolutions; provide assessments of work in progress, including document reviews against specifications.

• Perform supplier evaluations and serve as an NQA-1 Lead auditor (some travel may be required).

• Conduct supplier evaluations and perform oversight of inspection of fabricated items and assemblies to ensure conformance with established performance criteria, including NQA-1; may include source inspections or witnessing of NDE of critical components and assemblies.

• Conduct material receiving inspection and commercial grade dedication on safety related and non-safety related materials.

• Assist in implementation of nonconformance processing.

• Lead independent reviews of revisions, updates and modifications involving Software Quality Assurance requirements.

• Provide support for event critiques and causal analysis, including determination of preventive and/or corrective actions.

• Identify and/or solve problems, assessing needs to achieve desired results.

• Continually search out new technologies and techniques to improve design, workflow, and optimization of processes and performance management functions.

• Operate and communicate effectively and efficiently with all levels of management on quality issues.

• Build and develop strong relationships with peers and others to exchange feedback on issues and concerns.

• Work effectively with both external and internal customers to meet goals and assess customer satisfaction.

• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS with 8 years of relevant quality experience or an MS with 7 years of relevant quality experience

• Ability to hold and maintain a DOE Q security clearance

• Demonstrated experience working with diverse R&D teams to solve complex, interdisciplinary problems.

• Possess in-depth knowledge of quality requirements and standards associated with, DOE O 414, NQA-1, and ISO 9001:2015

• The ability to work flexible hours. Minor travel may be necessary.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven ability to successfully interact with internal and external project stakeholders

• Proven ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DOE Q clearance

• 2+ years of experience in experimental R&D within a large, multiprogram research environment

• Advanced knowledge of Quality Assurance implementation responsibilities during engineering design and manufacturing associated with Contractor and Supplier oversight controls and processes including audits and surveillance activities.

• Knowledge and experience in validating implementation of quality assurance programs in a radiological and/or nuclear facility.

• Experience in the fabrication and testing requirements for components used for nuclear and radiological applications.

• Experience as a critique facilitator and root cause analyst.

• Ability to read and interpret design drawings.

• Lead Auditor or assessor experience.

• Experience with investigation analysis and problem solving.

• Strong computer, organizational, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to multi-task.

• Strong analytical skills; customer service experience; and the ability to interpret, communicate, and implement complex instructions.

• Experience within the isotope enrichment industry

• Experience with the marking, handling, and storage requirements of sensitive documents (e.g., OUO, ECI, UCNI, CRD, SRD)

Special Requirements:

• Q 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.

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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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.