Quality Control Manager

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/. We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us.

Job Description

TRISO-X is a first-of-its-kind nuclear fuel fabrication facility which will be manufacturing TRISO coated-particle fuel. This role is responsible for hiring and and developing a high-performing team of quality control professionals focused on manufacturing excellence for nuclear fuel pebble production; The role is primarily intended to ensure manufacturing and quality control (QC) activities across our manufacturing facility by implementing standardized QC protocols and performing rigorous in-process and final product inspections. This position will interface with operational leadership to identify manufacturing risks, communicate quality requirements, and ensure regulatory compliance with 10 CFR 70 and 10 CFR 71, and quality standards such as ISO 9001, and ASME NQA-1. The role will be responsible for expanding the existing Quality Management System to incorporate manufacturing-specific requirements and establishing a phased QC plan that prioritizes critical processes. This role will also be responsible for receipt inspection and limited calibration activities.

Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Quality Control Oversight:
• Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive Quality Control strategy for manufacturing nuclear fuel pebbles, verification of facility items relied on for safety and development of monitoring and escalation protocols within operations. This includes QC protocols, policies, and benchmarks aligned with regulatory requirements (e.g., 10 CFR Part 50, 10 CFR 21, 10 CFR 71, ISO 19443)
• QMS:
• Expand the existing Quality Management System (QMS) to incorporate manufacturing specific quality control requirements, focusing on adaptability to evolving customer requirements.
• Planning:
• Establish and implement a phased Quality Control plan for manufacturing verification, prioritizing critical processes while planning for future scalability. Inspections& Audits:
• Conduct routine and special inspections, audits, and evaluations of input materials, nuclear fuel product, nuclear material transportation packages, facility safety components, and systems to verify compliance and identify improvement opportunities. This includes receiving inspection and HOLD activities.
• Testing & Analysis:
• Perform or supervise tests, measurements, and analyses on material in-process and final fuel product, and related systems to verify performance, safety, and compliance.
• Measurement & Testing Equipment:
• Perform and validate calibration of quality control laboratory equipment. Additionally, supervise the monitoring of measuring and test equipment utilized throughout the facility.
• Corrective Actions:
• Lead investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective/preventive actions for quality product and facility equipment nonconformances, specifically oversight of 10 CFR 21 issues
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Ensure adherence to nuclear regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and customer specifications
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with project managers, engineers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to resolve quality issues and implement improvements. Proactively identify and mitigate manufacturing risks through close working relationships with strategic partners. Interface with senior management to communicate manufacturing quality status and potential impacts on schedule or product integrity. Support Engineering, QA, Supplier Quality and Procurement teams by communicating relevant corrective actions, non-conformances, and deficiencies from QC activities.
• Documentation:
• Maintain accurate quality records, and audit trails for regulatory and operational purposes
• Training & Development:
• Recruit, train, and manage specialized Quality Control technicians, maintaining a flexible mix of permanent and temporary personnel (as needed).
• Other items:
• Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Job Minimum Qualifications:

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) or related field from an ABET accredited college or university. Additionally, non-STEM degrees (i.e., business management, supply chain, project management, quality, technology associates degrees, etc.) will be considered in conjunction with prior work experience and training on a case-by-case scenario.
• Experience:
• Typically requires 10 years of experience with including eight years of experience performing QC activities and oversight in a manufacturing environment, and QC inspection, test, and/or oversight of fabrication in the nuclear industry. (Fabrication experience may be considered to augment some years of QC experience).
• Technical Knowledge
• Comprehensive knowledge, understanding of, and ability to interpret and apply various nuclear/non-nuclear Quality Standards to include but not limited to 10 CFR 50 App B, 10 CFR 21, ASME NQA-1, ISO 9001.
• Strong knowledge of process control, in-process inspections, and final product verification techniques.
• Experience in risk assessment and mitigation specifically related to manufacturing processes.
• Ability to expand and adapt quality management systems to incorporate manufacturing-specific requirements.
• Experience with managing change control within manufacturing environments and updating inspection plans to reflect design revisions
• Analytical Skills:
• Ability to interpret inspection results, identify trends, and recommend corrective measures.
• Leadership:
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing quality control programs.
• Certifications:
• Familiarity with nuclear QA/QC standards specifically 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, 10 CFR 21 and 10 CFR 21; and or relevant industry certifications (e.g., ASME NQA-1) are advantageous.

Location: 151 Lafayette Drive, Suite 300, Oak Ridge, TN

Work Site Expectations: 5 days a week in office

Travel: 10%

Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm, Mon-Fri

Compensation

As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.

Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual’s qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:

$110,000 - $135,000

Position Job Classification

Full time - Exempt

Benefits

X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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