Supplier Quality Engineer III

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/. We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us.

Job Description

The Supplier Quality Engineer III is a key member of the TRISO-X Quality team responsible for ensuring that materials, components, and services procured from external suppliers meet stringent nuclear quality standards. This role serves as the primary interface between TRISO-X and its supply chain, conducting supplier audits, qualifying new suppliers, and managing incoming material acceptance under NQA-1 requirements. The position places particular emphasis on Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) and qualification of software used in TRISO fuel manufacturing processes.

This is an individual contributor role with potential for direct reports as the supply chain and quality organization grow.

Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities:

Supplier Quality Management (60%)

• Lead supplier audits and assessments (on-site and remote) to verify compliance with NQA-1 and 10 CFR 50 Appendix B requirements
• Develop and execute supplier qualification plans for new vendors supporting TRISO fuel production
• Evaluate supplier quality management systems, manufacturing processes, and quality documentation
• Review and approve supplier quality plans, inspection and test plans (ITPs), and quality records
• Manage supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) and track closure of nonconformances
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain qualified supplier list (QSL) and supplier quality documentation

Incoming Material Acceptance & Inspection (25%)

• Develop and maintain inspection and acceptance criteria for procured materials and components
• Review supplier certificates of conformance (C of C) and source documentation
• Perform or witness incoming inspections and tests as required by procurement specifications
• Interface with receiving inspection and QC teams to ensure proper material acceptance
• Manage nonconforming material disposition and supplier notification processes
• Maintain traceability and quality records in accordance with NQA-1 requirements

Software Qualification (15%)

• Lead Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) activities for software procured from commercial suppliers
• Qualify software used in TRISO fuel manufacturing processes (e.g., process control, data acquisition, manufacturing execution systems)
• Apply NQA-1 Subpart 2.7 requirements to software quality assurance activities
• Review and approve software documentation including requirements specifications, test reports, and validation records
• Assess supplier software development processes and quality controls
• Maintain software qualification documentation and configuration management records

Job Profile Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Materials Science, or related technical field
• Advanced degree preferred

Experience

• 5-8 years of experience in quality assurance/quality engineering in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with supplier quality management, auditing, and qualification processes
• Demonstrated experience with NQA-1 or similar nuclear quality standards (ASME NQA-1, ISO 19443, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B)
• Experience with incoming material inspection and acceptance processes
• Experience with quality management in regulated industries (nuclear, aerospace, medical devices, or automotive)

Technical Knowledge

• Working knowledge of NQA-1 quality requirements (willing to train, but prior experience strongly preferred)
• Understanding of NQA-1 Subpart 2.7 (Quality Assurance Requirements for Computer Software) highly desired
• Familiarity with Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) processes
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, inspection methods, and quality control techniques
• Understanding of statistical process control (SPC) and quality tools (FMEA, control plans, MSA)
• Proficiency with quality management systems and documentation control

Skills & Competencies

• Strong auditing and assessment skills with ability to identify quality risks and noncompliances
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and supplier interactions
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical procedures
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in nuclear quality environment
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Comfortable with 30-40% domestic travel for supplier audits and assessments

• Previous experience in nuclear fuel manufacturing, nuclear component fabrication, or nuclear supply chain
• Direct experience with NQA-1 Subpart 2.7 software quality requirements
• Hands-on experience with software validation and Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD)
• ASQ certifications: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Lead Auditor certification
• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes (powder metallurgy, ceramics, coating processes)
• Knowledge of nuclear regulatory requirements (10 CFR Part 21, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B)
• Experience with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, or similar)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

• Office and manufacturing plant environment at TRISO-X facility
• May require access to production floor and quality laboratory areas
• Travel 30-40% to supplier facilities for audits and assessments (domestic and occasional international)
• Must be able to obtain and maintain necessary site access authorizations
• May require extended hours during critical supplier audits or production campaigns

Location: 151 Lafayette Drive, Suite 300, Oak Ridge, TN
Work Site Expectations: 5 days a week in office

Travel Expectations: 30%-40% or as needed

Hours: standard office schedule is 8:00am-5:00pm ET, Mon-Fri

Compensation

As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.

Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual’s qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:

$83,733 to $139,556

Position Job Classification

Full time - Exempt

Benefits

X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)

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