Quality Representative

About the role

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.

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 quality significant 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 quality concerns.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, oversight inspections, and source inspections to verify conformance to requirements, including NQA-1.

Qualifications

BS/BA degree in science, engineering, health and safety, or a related technical field required with a minimum of eight years of quality and/or research experience.

• Demonstrate reliability, 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.
• 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE clearance.

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.
• Existing Q clearance.

Benefits

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
• Employee Discounts