Quality Assurance Engineer

Company: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Richland
Posted on: March 16, 2023

Job Description:

OverviewThe primary purpose of the Quality Engineer (QE) role at PNNL is to support Science and Technology (S&T) projects in establishing effective quality assurance processes and practices - with the overall impact of mitigating risk and ensuring compliance while striving for increased efficiency and effectiveness of project execution. The QE is the primary deployed resource for the Quality Division, working directly with Quality Managers, Project Managers, and project staff to achieve this impact. The QE is responsible and accountable for delivering (i.e., planning, implementing, and assuring effectiveness) all elements of the PNNL's Quality Management Program and compliance with project-specific requirements.Overall, the successful Quality Engineer will have a demonstrated track record of leadership and broad-based exposure to quality-related techniques and methodologies. ResponsibilitiesThe primary purpose of the Quality Engineer (QE) role at PNNL is to support Science and Technology (S&T) projects in establishing effective quality assurance processes and practices - with the overall impact of mitigating risk and ensuring compliance, while striving for increased efficiency and effectiveness of project execution. The QE is the primary deployed resource for the Quality Division, working directly with Quality Managers, Project Managers, and project staff to achieve this impact. The QE is responsible and accountable for delivering (i.e., planning, implementing, and assuring effectiveness) all elements of the PNNL's Quality Management Program and compliance with project-specific requirements.The following is an overview of responsibilities but should not be considered a comprehensive list:An appreciation and general understanding of Supplier Quality Assurance and Supplier Quality Development. Includes supplier qualifications, action plans, audits, performance monitoring, and assisting key suppliers towards industrial standards of excellence.Well-developed auditing skillset with an appreciation for nuclear quality assurance including what it takes to become an NQA-1 lead auditor (Current NQA-1 Lead Auditors encouraged to apply).Report supplier quality and performance progress/problems and overall risk to PNNL Laboratory R&D projects and operations.Manages supplier qualification process and audits of implemented.Corrective Actions, quality systems, safety programs, and overall operations.Supplier Quality Management (SQM): Qualifications, Capability Studies, Relationship Management, etc.Auditing and/or surveillance including on-site fabrication surveillance and reporting experience.When required, perform any necessary source and/or internal quality inspections.Support due diligence activities providing subject matter expertise to enable decision making while identifying quality related risks to projects and the provision of appropriate resolutions.A job at this level is likely to be an individual contributor, with proven interpersonal skills. Communication with direct colleagues and the Laboratory about design and capability of suppliers and their services. Provides informal guidance to new team members.Explains complex information to others in straightforward situations.Builds collaborative relationships and leverages networks to accomplish goal while possibly leading cross-functional problem-solving teams.Utilizes technical expertise and judgement to solve problems.Promotes shared responsibility for getting things accomplished across organization while gaining commitment from team members to act on strategies, plans, and goals.Formulates and executes clear and practical plans based on key priorities.Leader in mitigating risk and ensuring compliance, while striving for increased efficiency and effectiveness.A leader and mentor to stakeholders in how to properly manage supplier quality and performance.Partners with business and key stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in Quality performance across PNNL's suppliers and Laboratory stakeholders, understand priorities, and alignment on expectations. QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:BS/BA and 5 years of relevant experience -OR-MS/MA or higher and 3 years of relevant experiencePreferred Qualifications:Must have significant experience in two or more of the following and at least one where you would consider yourself having a high proficiency, soon to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME):Professional license and/or certification in a quality, quality assurance or assurance-related area preferred.Experience working in a highly regulated environment/industry with a robust Environment, Health, Safety, and Quality (EHS&Q) culture. (e.g., nuclear, oil and gas, transportation, medical, pharmaceutical, aerospace, food, etc.).Experience and practice with any of the following: NQA-1, DOE O414.1D, 10 CFR 50 App B, 10 CFR Part 21, 10 CFR Part 71, and/or 10 CFR 830 requirements.Experience in quality program development, maintenance, and implementation.Auditing and/or surveillance background including on-site fabrication surveillance and reporting experience. NQA-1 Lead auditor certification or the ability to attain a lead auditor certification, is strongly desired. (Note: In-depth auditing experience in rigorous standards such as AS9100 will also be considered.)Experience working with or managing suppliers in manufacturing/fabrication environments, with an understanding of surveillance, process qualifications, welding, inspections, QC data package reviews, etc.Knowledge and experience of the Commercial-Grade Dedication (CGD) process including developing CGD plans while leading the necessary R2A2s of other team players (i.e., design engineers, process engineers, suppliers, etc.) to effectively deliver commercial-grade items under the applicable requirements.Fundamental background in the basics of Software Quality Assurance (SQA) with an emphasis in safety-related software. In lieu of, an interest to be trained in SQA.Technical writing and composition skills matching processes to procedures.Experience with drawings and inspection design, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).Fundamental background in process capability studies, control, improvement, and the benefits of collecting data in decision making. In lieu of, an interest in being trained in Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, process modeling, trending, etc.Apparent Cause Analysis (ACA), Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and the modeling of sustainable solutions.Highly desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and experience, but not required to apply:Significant experience in a construction operations, manufacturing and/or fabrication environment that is highly regulated (i.e., nuclear, aviation, medical device, etc.) with a strong understanding of how to lead Quality Assurance andQuality Control of a product and/or program.Experience in providing oversight of specific QA plans, supplier evaluation scheduling and coordination, pre-evaluation, notification, reporting, corrective action, and documentation.Confidence to ensure quality assurance results, materials, processes, and final products meet quality specifications and are completed according to established requirements.Strong capability to review and approve inspection reports including evaluating and closing non-conformance reports.Familiarity in one or all of the following Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) elements: designing and qualifying a process, administering tests, procedural writing, and surveillances. Experience performing Non-Destructive Examination: LT, RT, UT, PT, etc.Comfortable directing and assisting other quality engineers, quality specialists, and technical specialists in the planning, conduct, and reporting of vendor and internal independent assessments, surveillances, and audits.Confidence to independently perform a surveillance and when required, to be part of an audit team or possibly lead a team of auditors.A holder or past holder of any of the following certifications/license: ASQ CQE, CSQE, CQA, ASNT NDE (Level II or III), AWS CWI, PE License, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentThis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.Requirements: * U.S. Citizenship* Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.* Drug Testing: All Security Clearance (L or Q) positions will be considered by the Department of Energy to be Testing Designated Positions which means that they are subject to applicant, random, and for cause drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).Testing Designated PositionThis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or -3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov. Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Mandatory RequirementsBattelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.* Research Associates excluded.**Once eligibility requirements are met.Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Keywords: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland , Quality Assurance Engineer, Accounting, Auditing , Richland, Washington