Quality Engineer 3 OR 4

About the Role

This position is open for external candidates to join the Institutional Quality Performance Assurance Plutonium Infrastructure Quality (IQPA-PIQ) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The PIQ mission supports the construction execution of the modernization of the TA-55 infrastructure and nuclear facility capabilities throughout the Pajarito Security Corridor. The selected candidate will report to the IQPA-PIQ group leader and may be hired at either the Quality Engineer 3 or 4 level, with additional responsibilities assigned at the higher level.

Responsibilities

• Apply expert-level construction quality knowledge of national consensus standards such as 10CFR830, ASME, ISO, and ANSI/ASME NQA-1 2008/2009a, including implementation of these codes/standards.
• Utilize advanced technical knowledge of engineering, procurement, construction, and turnover practices to comprehend specified QA requirements, including Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) and the graded approach in an NQA-1 environment.
• Leverage advanced technical knowledge in the manufacturing and/or fabrication sector.
• Participate in and support construction quality assessments, including audits, surveillances, QA observations, and cause analysis.
• Interpret physical, mechanical, and electrical documents, blueprints, drawings, specifications, and schematics.
• Facilitate communications and collaboration across multiple organizations to solve complex performance challenges and provide tactical, forward-looking support for project success.
• Plan, prioritize, and schedule work to meet requirements, deadlines, and budget.

Additional responsibilities for Quality Engineer 4:

• Develop and implement quality assurance and control programs at an expert level.
• Provide expert-level support for Commercial Grade Dedication of materials, equipment, and services.
• Mentor and train junior quality engineers in construction oversight methods and reporting.
• Manage construction quality assurance/control for multiple projects at an advanced level.
• Review and collaborate on procurement documentation to identify QA and engineering requirements.
• Review subcontractor submittals for compliance with procurement documents and engineering standards.
• Conduct internal and external design reviews for quality attributes.
• Coordinate construction quality across multiple projects and assist junior engineers.
• Participate in nonconformance reporting and corrective action processes.
• Serve as Lead Auditor for construction surveillances and QA observations of quality-affecting activities.

Requirements

Quality Engineer 3 ($106,400 - $176,000):

• Advanced experience with fabrication and testing facilities for structural steel, gloveboxes, piping systems, etc.
• Experience leading or conducting audits, assessments, surveillances, and observations.
• Experience reviewing procedures and documentation for adherence to QA requirements, including procurement documents and Commercial Grade Dedications.
• Experience providing performance data (metrics) to management.
• Experience developing and presenting findings or opportunities for improvement.
• Experience supporting nonconformance and issues management reporting.
• Experience serving as a primary interface between projects and teams.
• Technical knowledge of welding, NDE (LT, LP, UT, HeT), and construction/fabrication QA/QC activities, including NQA-1 2008/2009A.
• Experience developing and maintaining professional customer relationships.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office (including Calendar and Teams), VPN applications, and electronic records management.
• Ability to obtain a DOE "Q" Clearance (U.S. citizenship typically required).

Quality Engineer 4 ($128,000 - $215,900):

• Expert-level experience in developing and implementing QA/QC programs.
• Expert-level support for Commercial Grade Dedication of materials, equipment, and services.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and training junior quality engineers in construction oversight and reporting.
• Advanced technical knowledge of welding, NDE (LT, LP, UT, HeT), and construction/fabrication QA/QC activities, including NQA-1 2008/2009A.
• Experience managing construction QA/QC for multiple projects at an expert level.
• Experience reviewing and collaborating on procurement documentation for QA requirements.
• Experience reviewing subcontractor submittals for compliance with procurement documents and engineering standards.
• Experience conducting internal and external design reviews for quality attributes.
• Experience coordinating construction quality across multiple projects and assisting junior engineers.
• Experience participating in nonconformance reporting and corrective action processes.
• Experience serving as Lead Auditor for construction surveillances and QA observations.

Qualifications

Education/Experience for Quality Engineer 3: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Engineering, Industrial Systems Engineering, or a related field and 8 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education/Experience for Quality Engineer 4: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Engineering, Industrial Systems Engineering, or a related field and 12 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced relevant degree preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of 10 CFR 830 with experience in nuclear processing or high-hazard facility operating requirements, safety/authorization basis, and/or Conduct of Operations planning.
• Experience with classified matter protection and control, and classified computing.
• Nationally recognized quality engineering certification (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Reliability Engineer, or equivalent).
• Certified Quality Auditor, NQA-1 Lead Auditor certification, or similar credential.

Schedule

May include night shifts, weekend shifts, or swing shifts.

Location

This position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award-winning 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (for candidates outside a 50-mile radius).