Quality Assurance Engineer

Location: Kemmerer, WY, USA

Department: Plant Operations (USO)

TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company is working to raise living standards globally through a more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy along with innovations in medical isotopes to improve human health. In 2006, TerraPower originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. They recognized energy access was crucial to the health and economic well-being of communities and decided that the private sector needed to take action and create energy sources that would advance global energy deployment. TerraPower’s mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. As a result, the company’s activities in the fields of nuclear energy and related sciences are yielding significant innovations in the safety and economics of nuclear power, hybrid energy and medical applications – all for significant human health benefits.”

TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced nuclear reactor research and development and influencing change within the nuclear power landscape and bringing forward the critical production of medical isotopes.  TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer

The QA Engineer reports to the Quality Assurance Manager. This is a hybrid role that performs both QA and QC activities in a 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, regulated environment.  The Candidate will have a working knowledge of ASME NQA-1, ASME Section III, and other key standards, and a strong background in auditing, with current Lead Auditor certification preferred or with the ability to become a Lead Auditor within one year of being hired.  The QA Engineer performs QC activities, including inspection and oversight of NDE testing.  The ideal candidate will also have extensive experience applying a graded approach to quality assurance for activities ranging from engineering design to supporting initial licensing, construction, operational testing, and commercial operations. Experience as a QC Inspector or experience with industry codes, standards, and guides such as ASME, AWS, AISC, ASTM, EPRI, NEI, ISO, NEC, and IEEE are strongly desired.

Responsibilities

• Review customer and regulatory contracts and develop a baseline requirements matrix or documents.
• Interface with customer and supplier QA representatives and provide solutions to technical and complex compliance issues.
• Review internal and external engineering documents including design drawings, specifications, test plans and procedures, and other technical documents.
• Evaluate and qualify suppliers and partners through a supplier audit, evaluation, or Commercial Grade Dedication.
• Plan and perform commercial grade surveys of commercial suppliers.
• Knowledge of Nonconformance and the Part 21 and Part 50.55(e) Reporting processes.
• Support Engineering with the development and implementation of Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) plans.
• Coordinate and host Customer and Regulator audits, surveillances, and visits.
• Review and revise QA processes and procedures.
• Plan and perform Supplier and Internal Audits as an Auditor.
• Participate in Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), Continuous Improvement, Lessons Learned/Operational Experience and Risk Management processes.
• Review quality-related procedures (e.g., engineering, procurement, document control, records, and testing) to ensure program compliance.
• Review procurement specifications, purchase requisitions, purchase orders, contracts, task orders, and agreements to ensure flow-down of applicable quality assurance requirements.
• Review design drawings, specifications, test plans and procedures, and other technical documents for quality assurance requirements using a graded approach to quality when applicable.
• On site presence at the Kemmerer, WY site will be required
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in a technical discipline, business, management, or quality assurance field.
• 5+ years of experience in a Nuclear QA or QC function (10+ years of experience under NRC regulations preferred).
• Current or previous certification as an ASME NQA-1 Lead Auditor or the ability to be certified within one year of hire (ASME Section III endorsement preferred).
• Software Quality Assurance experience is highly desired.
• Electrical or I&C Quality Control Inspector (QCI) experience and qualifications are highly desired.
• Mechanical equipment, welding, and nondestructive examination (NDE) QC experience and qualifications are highly desired
• Military experience or prior TerraPower experience is a plus.
• The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly, and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork.

Job Functions:

Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation.  Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations.  An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.

• Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.
• Repetitive work: Prolonged
• Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
• Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hours/day
• Travel required 0-10%

TerraPower’s technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government.  TerraPower must evaluate applicants who are foreign nationals (other than asylees, refugees, or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with U.S. Government export control requirements.  To facilitate TerraPower’s export control reviews, you will be asked as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.  Government export authorization approval times vary.  Based on the business needs for a particular position, TerraPower may not consider a foreign national from a country if it is impracticable to obtain timely Government export approval.

Job details

Salary Range Level 11:  $ 116,495  - $174,743

 Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected individual’s qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Wyoming State.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation
• Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments
• Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits
  •   Medical
  •   Vision
  • Dental
  • Life and Disability
  • Gender Affirmation Benefits
• Parental Leave
• 401k Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 21 days of annually accrued PTO
• Generous Holiday Schedule
  • 10 paid holidays
• Relocation Assistance
• Professional and Educational Support Opportunities

TerraPower Career and Benefits information:  https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/