Quality Representative

Requisition Id 16075 

­­Overview:  

The Quality Assurance Division (QAD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Quality Representative. This position will support nuclear and non-nuclear organizations, projects, and programs within the Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate (FFESD). This position is responsible for providing support services by proactively deploying Laboratory policies, procedures, quality tools, and quality methodology that meets the customers' requirements and achieves reliable and effective results supporting the customer's mission.

ORNL is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic, applied and developmental research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad spectrum of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Act as a quality expert serving full‑time within FFESD while providing guidance as a member of QAD.
• Provide quality assurance support using a risk‑based, graded approach throughout all project phases.
• Identify customer needs and help prioritize quality initiatives.
• Support development of project quality plans, checklists, procedures, and guidance documents.
• Apply quality standards and requirements effectively based on sponsor, program, and project needs.
• Use the ORNL QA Program, DOE O 414.1D, NQA‑1, and ISO 9001 to provide graded QA support across diverse technical activities.
• Assist in determining the need for technical guidelines, procedures, and work‑controlling documents.
• Provide quality planning for tasks, projects, procurements, and work evolutions, including document reviews.
• Verify critical characteristics for acceptance of safety‑affecting items.
• Deliver targeted QA training based on organizational and project needs.
• Demonstrate understanding of PAAA requirements and graded implementation of quality programs.
• Review supplier proposals for compliance with quality requirements.
• Coordinate quality category determinations (graded approach) with Engineering.
• Review procurement documents and specifications for appropriate quality controls using the Quality Significant Review process.
• Coordinate Software Quality Assurance compliance
• Participate in supplier quality activities to address QA concerns.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, oversight inspections, and source inspections to verify conformance to requirements, including NQA‑1.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in science, health and safety, engineering, or a related technical field with a minimum of five years of quality experience. 
• Must be able to safely move throughout the ORNL campus to support work activities, including walking between facilities, navigating uneven surfaces, and climbing stairs as required.
• Demonstrate reliable, consistent attendance and a strong commitment to operational excellence.
• Demonstrate strong teambuilding and collaboration skills that foster positive business relationships and effectively support ORNL’s quality assurance requirements.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while upholding ORNL quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Show strong self‑motivation and accountability in executing quality‑related tasks, assessments, and documentation.
• Proactively identify quality concerns, process gaps, and opportunities for continuous improvement within research and operational workflows.
• Communicate effectively—both verbally and in writing—with ORNL management, researchers, technical staff, customers, and suppliers to convey quality expectations, support compliance, address quality issues, provide guidance, and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to obtain or maintain ISO9001, NQA-1 lead auditor certifications.
• Ability to travel, as required, varies but typically 5% or less in a calendar year.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE clearance. This position is designated under the Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and requires passing a pre‑placement drug test and participation in ongoing random drug testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to independently function in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• Knowledge and experience in validating implementation of quality assurance programs in an R&D environment.
• Experience providing quality assurance guidance using a graded, risk‑based approach in support of predominately nuclear R&D activities. 
• Demonstrated experience implementing ASME NQA‑1 requirements to meet research reactor quality needs, working knowledge and practical experience with ISO 9001 and 10 CFR 50 Appendix B.
• Proven ability to apply multiple quality standards across diverse technical organizations, programs, projects, and activities.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience providing oversight and inspection of fabricated items and assemblies.
• Lead Auditor Certification in NQA-1 or ISO9001
• Software Quality Assurance (SQA) experience
• Strong analytical skills, project management capability, customer‑service orientation, and the ability to interpret, communicate, and implement complex instructions.

Special Requirements: 

• Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

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.

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.