Nuclear Quality Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Nuclear Quality Engineer to join the MFC Quality team at our Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) facility in Idaho. This role involves implementing quality assurance procedures, developing inspection plans, conducting surveillance and audit activities, addressing nonconformances, and providing technical quality expertise to program, project, and facility management across nuclear and non-nuclear facilities.

About the role

Depending on your area of focus, you may support nuclear facility operations, research quality assurance, or fuels manufacturing while collaborating with design engineers, vendors, and external auditors to ensure Idaho National Laboratory's quality standards are consistently met.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering/researchers to define key features of design requirements for engineered control plans.
• Participate in design reviews to ensure sound engineering principles are applied.
• Implement quality assurance procedures, technical methods, control systems, protocols, and inspection plans cost-effectively while maintaining adherence to requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering to establish protocols for addressing nonconformances.
• Partner with system or process owners to manage the disposition of nonconformances.
• Provide technical expertise and advice on quality compliance and implementation issues to program, project, facility management, and personnel.
• Interact with facility senior management on matters requiring cross-organizational coordination.
• Collaborate on solutions to resolve facility, program, or project compliance issues.
• Perform procurement engineering evaluations.
• Create inspection plans and receipt inspection instructions.
• Conduct quality assessments and surveillance activities.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to integrate INL quality-related processes.
• Interface with internal and external customers to ensure quality requirements are met.
• Coach/mentor facility personnel on quality requirements for nuclear and non-nuclear facilities as identified by the Quality Assurance Plan.
• Provide surveillance, auditing, and reporting services to ensure facility management has clear visibility and the opportunity to manage organizational performance.
• Facilitate and/or support external audits and commercial grade surveys of INL.
• Coordinate with engineering for commercial grade dedication plans and inspections for Quality Level 2 procurements.
• Conduct vendor data reviews (VDR).
• Maintain a complete understanding and application of principles, concepts, and practices required for delivering quality techniques and tools.
• Maintain required training and proficiency per training plan.
• Review and approve material requests, construction services, and maintenance work orders in Asset Suite/Ariba.
• Maintain specialized certifications and training, such as nuclear quality assurance and Lead Auditor certification (e.g., NQA-1 Lead Auditor).

Specialized Duties

Nuclear Facility Quality Engineer

• Verify quality-level determinations.
• Develop and/or review work and program controlling documents for nuclear facilities.
• Develop Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) plans and perform CGD surveys of suppliers.
• Interface with research sponsors on INL quality processes.
• Host external auditors for commercial grade dedication surveys and readiness reviews to ensure contract requirements.
• Develop and review Work Control Documents.
• Maintain working and developmental knowledge of nuclear operations, maintenance, planning, and procurement.
• Provide nuclear facility oversight support.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science and 2+ years of experience, Master's, or PhD in a technical field related to Quality (e.g., Chemistry, Engineering, Statistics, Operations Management).
• For Level 3: Bachelor of Science and 5+ years of experience, Master's and 2+ years of experience, or PhD with 2+ years of experience in a relevant field.
• Experience in Nuclear Quality (QA/QC, engineering, operations, manufacturing, etc.).
• Ability to obtain BEA Quality Engineer certification.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an L level security clearance.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
• Work experience in Quality, System, Design, or Plant Engineering.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard, and type.
• May be exposed to heights, stairs, UV (sun exposure), and radiation work.
• May be exposed to hazards associated with equipment including ladders over 6 feet, machines/electrical hazards, lasers, and motor vehicle usage.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
• Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with people.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Working Conditions

• Primarily an office environment with moderate noise levels; occasional exposure to loud noises.
• Required to use protective clothing as dictated by work assignment.
• May be exposed to discomforts associated with constant monitoring of computer video display screens.
• Intermittent exposure to stress due to human behavior and various responsibilities.
• Position requires working more than 8 hours/day and working alone.
• Works a 4x10 schedule with every Friday off.

Pay

• Level 2: $79,344 - $162,732
• Level 3: $95,256 - $195,288

Compensation decisions are based on education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package

Benefit eligibility is subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.