Principal Quality Engineer - Nuclear Energy

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

Battelle is seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to serve as the enterprise technical authority for nuclear Quality Assurance (QA) across advanced reactor development programs. This role provides strategic QA leadership for next generation reactor technologies, ensuring alignment with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Department of Energy (DOE), and applicable international frameworks.

The Principal Quality Engineer acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, customers, and regulators, shaping quality strategy, regulatory positioning, and licensing readiness across the full lifecycle of advanced nuclear technologies. This position is accountable for the effectiveness, scalability, and regulatory defensibility of nuclear QA programs across multiple programs and customers, driving consistency and scalability across the organization's reactor development portfolio.

Responsibilities

QA Program Development and Regulatory Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain nuclear QA programs compliant with 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B, DOE O 414.1E, and ASME NQA 1.

• Establish and maintain the top tier QA Program Description (QAPD) and supporting implementing procedures.

• Define and apply graded approach methodologies, including structures, systems, and components (SSC) safety classification and special treatment requirements.

• Provide authoritative interpretation of QA regulatory requirements.

• Serve as primary interface with NRC, DOE, and customers for QA related audits, reviews, and regulatory engagements.

Design Control and Verification

• Establish design control, verification, and change control processes for safety related SSCs.

• Define verifier independence requirements and serve as, or designate, independent design verifiers.

• Develop and oversee software quality processes in accordance with NQA 1 Part II, Subpart 2.7.

Procurement, Supplier, and Supply Chain Quality

• Establish procurement quality requirements, supplier qualification criteria, and commercial grade dedication (CGD) processes.

• Maintain approved supplier lists and oversee supplier audits, surveillance, and source inspections.

• Implement Suspect/Counterfeit Item (S/CI) prevention and supply chain risk mitigation programs.

Fabrication and Operations Readiness

• Provide QA oversight for fabrication, inspection, testing, handling, storage, and shipping of nuclear components.

• Establish quality controls supporting construction, commissioning, startup, and operational readiness activities.

• Support maintenance, in service inspection, and surveillance programs as applicable.

Audits, Assessments, and Corrective Action

• Lead internal audit and assessment programs in accordance with NQA 1 requirements.

• Manage corrective action programs, including root cause analysis, trending, and effectiveness reviews.

• Support management assessments of QA program adequacy and performance.

Enterprise Leadership and Influence

• Develop and institutionalize scalable QA frameworks and methodologies to support consistent application across current and future reactor programs.

• Serve as Battelle's nuclear QA subject matter authority in program decision forums.

• Mentor and develop quality engineers and auditors across the organization.

• Drive consistency, standardization, and reuse of nuclear QA frameworks, tools, and methodologies.

• Shape and influence business development activities, including defining QA strategy, supporting capture efforts, and contributing to proposal development and positioning.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, or related technical discipline.

• 10+ years of progressive QA experience, including 7+ years in nuclear QA.

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing QA programs compliant with 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B and ASME NQA-1.

• Working knowledge of DOE O 414.1E CRD Attachment 2 requirements.

• Experience developing QA implementing procedures across multiple 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B criteria.

• Experience with commercial grade dedication and critical characteristic identification per NQA-1 Subpart 2.14.

• NQA-1 Lead Auditor certification (current or ability to obtain).

• Experience interfacing with NRC and/or DOE on QA program matters.

• Strong technical writing skills and ability to produce regulator-ready documents.

Preferred Qualifications

Education and Professional Certifications

• Master's degree in engineering or related technical discipline.

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE).

Nuclear Domain Experience

• Experience supporting advanced reactor programs (e.g., PHWR, HTGR, MSR, SFR, microreactors).

• Familiarity with risk informed QA and 10 CFR Part 53 concepts.

• Experience with NRC pre application engagements and licensing strategy development.

• Knowledge of ASME Section III and its interface with NQA 1.

• Experience supporting construction, commissioning, or startup of nuclear facilities.

Technical Tools and Specialized Skills

• Software QA experience per NQA 1 Part II, Subpart 2.7.

• Experience implementing electronic QMS and/or PLM tools in a nuclear environment.

• Configuration management experience per NQA 1 Requirement 3.

• Proficiency with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.

• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.

• Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.

• Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.

• Better together : Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.

• Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.

• Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects

• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery

• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment

• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders

• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

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