Requisition Id 16418

Overview:

We are seeking a Nuclear Quality Representative (early-to-mid career) to support the implementation of quality program requirements for Research & Development (R&D), Pilot Production, and emerging Manufacturing activities within the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED).

This position resides in the Isotope Enrichment & Facilities Group within the Quality Assurance Division (QAD), Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and is matrixed to the Systems & Process Assurance (SPA) Section within ESED, with primary support to Production Inventory Control and Manufacturing organizations.

This role is ideal for a technically grounded, collaborative quality professional who understands nuclear quality requirements (e.g., NQA-1) and can apply them pragmatically and effectively within a fast-paced, evolving environment—balancing compliance with mission execution.

Position Summary:

As a field-deployed Nuclear Quality Representative, you will partner closely with engineering, design, procurement, and manufacturing teams to ensure quality requirements are appropriately defined, tailored, and implemented.

Success in this role requires the ability to:

• Apply quality standards with discipline and flexibility, using a graded approach
• Collaborate and negotiate with stakeholders to achieve compliant, practical solutions
• Support the flowdown of requirements in a way that enables execution; not impedes it
• Reinforce key quality principles (e.g., traceability, inspection, configuration control) without overburdening the work

We are looking for someone who:

• Understands nuclear quality requirements (NQA-1, DOE O 414.1D, ISO 9001) and can apply them thoughtfully—not rigidly
• Is comfortable working in ambiguous, evolving environments such as R&D transitioning into production
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, especially in working with Design and Manufacturing teams
• Can balance compliance with practicality, ensuring requirements are met without unnecessary burden
• Is adaptable, coachable, and solution-oriented, with a willingness to grow alongside the organization

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Implement and support a graded approach to quality, ensuring rigor is commensurate with risk and technical maturity
• Partner with Design, Procurement, and Manufacturing teams to define and flow down quality requirements that are both compliant and executable
• Serve as a trusted advisor to customers, aligning quality expectations with operational needs
• Support development and review of:
  • Procurement and design specifications
  • Fabrication and inspection plans
  • Work packages and procedures
• Assist in establishing appropriate quality controls (e.g., inspection points, traceability, configuration management)
• Evaluate and tailor application of NQA-1 and related standards to fit the scope and complexity of the work
• Lead or support assessments, focusing on effectiveness and practical implementation, not just compliance
• Perform supplier evaluations, audits, and oversight activities as needed
• Support nonconformance resolution and practical corrective actions
• Participate in critiques and causal analyses with a focus on learning and improvement
• Build strong working relationships across organizations to enable quality through collaboration, not enforcement alone

Basic Qualifications:

• B.S. with 5-7 years of relevant nuclear quality experience or an M.S. with 4-7 years of relevant nuclear quality experience
• Ability to hold and maintain a DOE Q security clearance
• Experience supporting R&D, production, construction or manufacturing environments
• Possess in-depth knowledge of quality requirements and standards associated with, DOE O 414, NQA-1, and ISO 9001:2015
• The ability to work flexible hours. Minor travel may be necessary.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence without authority
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DOE Q clearance
• 2+ years of experience in experimental R&D within a large, multiprogram research environment
• Experience applying quality requirements in transition environments (R&D to production/manufacturing)
• Experience working with design organizations on requirement flowdown
• Familiarity with:
  • Inspection and test planning
  • Traceability and configuration control
  • Supplier oversight and audits
• Experience in nuclear, radiological, or high-consequence industries
• Lead auditor or assessment experience

Special Requirements:

• Q clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

• Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

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, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.