Quality Assurance Laboratory Manager

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Quality Assurance Laboratory to join our dynamic team. The Quality Assurance (QA) Laboratory Manager oversees all analytical, inspection, and testing activities within the Quality Assurance Laboratory of an advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing facility. This role ensures that all materials, in-process products, and finished nuclear fuel components meet rigorous regulatory, safety, and performance standards. The QA Lab Manager supervises Laboratory Technicians; maintains and operates analytical instruments; collects, reduces and stores acquired data; maintains inventory of necessary consumables; and tracks and executes calibrations and scheduled instrument service. The QA Lab Manager will drive excellence in laboratory operations, data integrity, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, world-class nuclear-grade quality culture.

Key Responsibilities

- Laboratory Leadership & Management: Direct daily lab operations, ensuring testing activities align with production schedules and regulatory requirements. Supervise, coach, and develop laboratory staff, promoting a culture of safety, precision, and accountability.

- Quality Assurance & Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to nuclear industry quality standards (e.g., NQA-1, ISO 17025) and regulatory guidelines. Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and quality records management to support internal audits, customer requirements, and regulatory inspections.

- Testing & Analytical Oversight: Oversee chemical, radiological, metallurgical, and mechanical testing programs necessary for nuclear fuel qualification. Review and approve test methods, validation activities, data reports, and deviations. Ensure calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

- Data Integrity & Technical Reporting: Ensure accurate, reproducible, and fully traceable test results. Prepare and review technical reports, certificates of analysis, and nonconformance investigations. Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues.

- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, Procurement, and Regulatory Affairs to support process qualification and continuous process improvements. Provide expert guidance on material specifications and testing methodologies.

- Quality Monitoring & Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report engineering metrics on process performance, including yield, cost, and safety. Prepare and present detailed reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational insights.

- Collaboration: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, quality assurance, plant operations, and safety personnel, to achieve company goals.

Qualifications

- Education:

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

- Experience:

- 3+ years of experience in a regulated laboratory environment, ideally within nuclear, aerospace, medical or other high-reliability manufacturing sectors.

- Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams.

- Expertise in analytical testing, quality systems, and documentation practices.

- Skills & Knowledge:

- In-depth understanding of common analytical instruments (e.g, ICP-MS, XRF, DSC, IC, XRD, FTIR, etc.)

- Knowledge of relevant regulatory standards, safety protocols, and quality control procedures in the nuclear industry.

- Strong communication skills and the ability to interface with regulators, customers, and cross-disciplinary teams.

Additional Requirements

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with strict safety and regulatory standards.

- Willingness to work at fuel pilot line facility for extended commissioning and production campaigns.

- Ability to work in a secure, safety-conscious environment and handle sensitive materials in compliance with all safety guidelines.