Principal Quality Engineer

This is a remote position based in the United States with 40-50% travel required.

About the Role

As a Principal Supplier Quality Engineer, you will lead others in multiple quality assurance tasks to ensure externally sourced products meet the quality and technical requirements defined by Westinghouse. The primary focus will be to manage teams in the execution of complex plans for supplier program development, oversight, and quality verification activities. You will report to the Supplier Quality Manager, Large Structures in the AP1000 nuclear product line.

Responsibilities

• Support technical and quality evaluations of suppliers for nuclear-grade products.
• Oversee the manufacturing, implementation, and analysis of complex technical products, processes, and systems.
• Apply broad knowledge of procedures and lead in the resolution of complex problems.
• Provide specialized knowledge as an experienced quality engineer in one or more technical or quality competencies, approaching or achieving subject matter expert level.
• Develop and execute supplier surveillance and oversight plans (Witness/Hold points) to ensure compliance with engineering, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Resolve supplier quality issues, improving design integrity, material performance, or code compliance.
• Evaluate supplier quality plans and manufacturing processes to align with Westinghouse engineering specifications, drawings, codes, and acceptance criteria.
• Perform independent verification activities, such as assessments and oversight, to verify that Westinghouse QSL suppliers have established an effective quality management system for "nuclear safety related" or "augmented safety" items.
• Partner with Engineering, Procurement, QA, and Project teams to ensure supplier activities meet technical, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Create certification documents identifying procurement requirements met by purchased material or equipment, including codes, standards, engineering specifications, and customer requirements.
• Lead assessments of the global supply base to ensure compliance with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations, ASME codes and standards, and Westinghouse engineering requirements.
• Evaluate supplier quality plans and processes to verify compliance with quality and technical requirements defined by Westinghouse Engineering.
• Apply advanced quality control techniques and statistical methods to collect deficiency information, identify failure causes and trends, rate performance, and measure the effectiveness of supplier QA programs and internal processes.
• Write detailed segments of QA plans/programs according to current NRC, Westinghouse, and customer QA standards for nuclear and non-nuclear facilities.
• Implement policies on scope and retention requirements of quality assurance documentation.
• Set daily operational goals for individuals or small teams, mentor less experienced engineers, and provide leadership by example.
• Contribute to solutions for complex aspects of projects or processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering.
• 10+ years of related experience.
• NQA-1 Certified Lead Auditor certification is desirable.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
• Capability to explain QA procedures to internal personnel and external customers, subcontractors, suppliers, and licensees.
• Demonstrated ability using a structured, analytical questioning approach to assess risks, develop solutions, and prioritize work.
• Commitment to personal, industrial, and nuclear safety.

Pay

The estimated base salary range for this position is $103,200 to $129,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical benefits, including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions.
• Wellness programs, including an Employee Assistance Program providing support for employees and their household members.
• 401(k) with company match contributions.
• Paid vacations and company holidays.
• Opportunities for flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.
• Educational reimbursement and comprehensive career programs.
• Global recognition and service programs to celebrate employee accomplishments and service.
• Employee referral program.