Nuclear Program Quality Assurance Manager

Company: S&ME Inc.
Location: Knoxville
Posted on: May 26, 2025

Job Description:

Nuclear Program Quality Assurance Manager
Requisition Number: 2025-2980-03


Build Your Career. Own Your Future.
At S&ME, you're more than just an employee-you're an employee-owner of a 100% employee-owned company that has been solving complex geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials testing challenges for over 50 years. We're invested in your success and offer a career path with growth opportunities, training, and hands-on field experience. Join a team that values safety, integrity, and teamwork while offering industry-leading benefits designed to help you thrive - on and off the job, including, but not limited to:

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• Medical, dental & vision plans with HSA and FSA options
  
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  
• 401(k) with company matching
  
• PTO with rollover
  
• Maternity/paternity leave
  
• Tuition reimbursement
  
• Company vehicle & fuel card for project-based work
  
• Employee recognition & credential incentive programs
  
• $2,000-5,000 referral bonuses and more!
  
  
  
  Your Role: Shape the Future of Nuclear Quality
  S&ME is looking for a driven and experienced Senior Quality Assurance Specialist to take on the role of Nuclear Program Quality Assurance Manager (NPQAM) within our dynamic Quality team. This is your opportunity to play a crucial leadership role in advancing our mission and delivering technical excellence across nuclear projects. Reporting directly to the Quality Director, you'll leverage your background and insights to guide high-impact initiatives in the nuclear energy space. If you're passionate about driving quality and utilizing your expertise to support our clients in the nuclear industry, this is your opportunity to make an impact.
  
  
  What You Will Do:
  As NPQAM, you'll lead the oversight, enhancement, and enforcement of our Nuclear Quality Assurance Program (NQAP), aligning it with the rigorous standards of NQA-1-2022. Your leadership will empower project teams and fellow quality professionals to meet regulatory and contract requirements, especially in complex geotechnical and geologic field investigations for safety-related nuclear work.
  Your Key Responsibilities Will Include:
  
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    Program Stewardship: Manage and refine the NQAP to ensure full alignment with NQA-1-2022 guidelines and recommend updates for continued improvement.
    
    
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    Documentation Oversight: Draft, evaluate, and finalize program documents and implementation materials to maintain robust quality control.
    
    
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    Audit Representation: Act as the primary S&ME representative during client or regulatory audits; lead the development of corrective and preventative measures in response to findings.
    
    
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    Vendor Qualification: Conduct both virtual and on-site evaluations of suppliers to verify compliance and readiness for nuclear safety-related activities on behalf of S&ME.
    
    
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    Team Training: Deliver tailored training-both remote and in-person-to ensure project teams are fully prepared and aligned with NQAP standards and expectations prior to field execution.
    
    
    
    
    What We're Looking For:
    
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    • You have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field
      
    • You have a minimum of 10 years of relevant Nuclear Quality Assurance experience
      
    • You have a Professional license (e.g. PE, PG), a plus
      
    • You have 10+ years of geological, hydrogeologic, seismic, geotechnical and related laboratory testing experience, a plus
      
      
      
      To be successful in this role, you will have a strong working knowledge of all NQA-1 regulations, practices, and protocols, including root cause analyses, corrective actions, procurement, software validations, design analysis, auditing, and surveillance. Have familiarity with AASHTO accreditation and state/federal radiological materials licenses (nuclear gauges). Have an NQA-1 Lead Auditor certification or ability to obtain within 6 months. Have experience in building and maintaining client relationships, ensuring contract obligations are met.
      
      
      Why Join S&ME?
      At S&ME, your career growth matters. You'll receive professional training, work on exciting projects, and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. This is more than a job-it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry.
      
      
      Ready to Get Started?
      Apply today and take the first step toward an exciting future with S&ME!
      
      
      This is a full-time position with competitive pay based on experience. The successful candidate must meet the requirements of the company's Fleet Management Program, Substance Policy, and Reference Check Program. Submit resume, cover letter, and salary expectations for consideration. Only qualified candidates with acceptable employment eligibility verification (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not provided. S&ME reserves the right to fill this position with an internal or external candidate at any time during the search. S&ME is not responsible for unauthorized job postings or submissions of resumes using external links/websites.
      No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.

Keywords: S&ME Inc., Johnson City , Nuclear Program Quality Assurance Manager, Executive , Knoxville, Tennessee