Battelle is seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to serve as a technical authority for nuclear Quality Assurance (QA) across advanced reactor development programs. This role provides QA support 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, influencing quality strategy, regulatory positioning, and licensing readiness across the full lifecycle of advanced nuclear technologies. This position is responsible 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.
Battelle's preference is for this position to be based in a hybrid capacity from our headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. Candidates located in the Columbus area, or those willing to relocate to the region, are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference. However, highly qualified candidates from other locations will also be considered to work remote.
- Support development, implementation, and maintenance of nuclear QA programs compliant with 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B, DOE O 414.1E, and ASME NQA-1.
- Define and apply graded approach methodologies, including structures, systems, and components (SSC) safety classification and special treatment requirements.
- Serve as an interface with NRC, DOE, and customers for QA-related audits, reviews, and regulatory engagements.
- Support development of design control, verification, and change control processes for safety-related SSCs.
- Define verifier independence requirements and serve as, or designate, independent design verifiers.
- Support development of software quality processes in accordance with NQA-1 Part II, Subpart 2.7.
- Support development of procurement quality requirements, supplier qualification criteria, and commercial grade dedication (CGD) processes.
- Maintain approved supplier lists and oversee supplier audits, surveillance, and source inspections.
- Provide QA oversight for fabrication, inspection, testing, handling, storage, and shipping of nuclear components.
- Support development of quality controls supporting construction, commissioning, startup, and operational readiness activities.
- Support maintenance, in-service inspection, and surveillance programs as applicable.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $110,000 to $120,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications.
Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.