Quality Assurance Manager

About the role

The Quality Assurance Manager oversees the quality assurance program at NEXT Lab, a nuclear research facility. The role covers quality control, nuclear material control and accountability, document and records management, export control compliance, regulatory interface and audits, and continuous improvement and training. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain the NEXT Lab Quality Assurance Program in line with NRC, DOE and industry standards, and monitor adherence to quality requirements across projects and operations.
• Set up inspection and testing protocols for research activities, experimental systems and facility equipment, track non-conformances and run corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain PFMEA to identify potential risks and drive corrective actions, and integrate quality assurance into process design with cross-functional teams.
• Maintain accurate inventory and accountability of nuclear materials in compliance with DOE and NRC requirements, using approved tracking methods and conducting periodic audits.
• Establish document control procedures for QA/QC records, facility licenses and compliance documents, ensuring accessibility, security and retention per federal requirements.
• Oversee compliance with federal export control laws such as ITAR and EAR, train staff and review research proposals and collaborations for compliance.
• Act as QA/QC representative during NRC, DOE and third-party audits, prepare documentation for regulators and coordinate corrective actions on inspection findings.
• Improve QA/QC processes and efficiency, and develop and deliver QA/QC training for staff.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Assurance or a related field (Master's preferred).
• At least 5 years of experience in nuclear QA/QC or a regulated research/industrial environment.
• Preferred: experience with NRC/DOE audits, inspections and quality management systems, and familiarity with export control laws and nuclear material accountability.
• Preferred: professional certification in Quality Management (ASQ-CQA, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, etc.).
• Able to lift 50 pounds regularly and stand for 1 hour or more.

Required skills

• Proficiency with email, video conferencing, Acrobat and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Knowledge of NRC and DOE QA/QC regulations and standards.
• Understanding of nuclear materials accounting principles.
• Expertise in document control systems and compliance management.
• Ability to conduct audits, root cause analysis and corrective action planning.