QA Manager (DC, USA)

Company Overview

Blue Energy's mission is to unlock energy abundance, energy affordability, energy security, and turn-key decarbonization by developing the fastest path to deploying new nuclear MWs at scale. We are utilizing shipyard manufacturing supply chains and techniques from offshore oil and wind to reduce the cost of nuclear plants by over 60% and the manufacturing timeline to 24 months. Blue Energy is a platform technology that makes use of the latest NRC-approved reactors and is in negotiations with existing nuclear and industrial sites, enabling a much faster regulatory pathway to deploy our first unit. With our innovative centralized shipyard manufacturing approach, we can put nuclear power on a cost-reduction learning curve akin to wind, solar, and lithium-ion batteries.

Blue Energy is seeking an experienced and highly organized Quality Assurance Manager to oversee the development, implementation and day to day operation of the Blue Energy QA/QC Program. The Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for managing all QA/QC Program activities, ensuring that the program meets and exceeds all regulatory requirements and industry best practices. This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and deep knowledge of engineering, procurement, construction and operational processes and safety protocols. The successful candidate will work closely with Blue Energy leadership, project managers, subcontractors, and tradespeople to ensure that ALL work proceeds smoothly, adhering to Quality Assurance processes, procedures and principles.

Expectations:

• Raise issues and concerns quickly; we strive for a culture where everyone can communicate openly so problems can be resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is as important for technical issues as it is for non-technical and personnel issues. The longer things go "unmentioned", the longer they "fester" and the more painful they are to resolve.
• Budget and schedule are important! As owners and owners representatives, we are all ultimately accountable for accomplishing our goals on time and on budget. However, if "Doing it Right" means we need to spend a little more time or money, raise the issue to me and we will discuss the best path forward. It's a balance and we can address all "gray" areas as a team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the establishment and implementation of the Blue Energy QA/QC Program in accordance with
  
  • 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B - Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing
  • ASME NQA-1 Standard, Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility Applications (as endorsed by RG 1.28)
  • Blue Energy envisions a "phased" approach to implementation (e.g. Document Control, Corrective Action Program and Design Control and oversight functions would be implemented early and programs supporting procurement and construction activities potentially delayed until later in the program establishment timeline)
• Program Supervision:
  
  • Once established, oversee all daily activities related to quality including training of current and new Blue Energy employees and staff.
• Cost Control & Budget Management:
  
  • Develop and maintain the program budget, ensuring alignment with the overall company and program scope, schedule, and resources.
  • Monitor program costs, track expenditures, and forecast future financial needs to ensure the program stays within the approved budget.
  • Implement cost control systems and processes to identify variances and recommend corrective actions to stay on track.
• Scheduling & Progress Tracking:
  
  • Develop and maintain detailed program schedules, incorporating licensing, commercial, business development, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities.
  • Monitor progress against the baseline schedule, track key milestones, and provide leadership with regular updates on the program's progress.
  • Collaborate with licensing, commercial, construction and engineering teams to identify potential delays, bottlenecks, or conflicts, and work with the project team to mitigate risks.
• Change Management and corrective action program (CAP):
  
  • Implement and manage the change control process to evaluate and document potential scope changes, ensuring that cost and schedule impacts are properly assessed.
  • Coordinate with stakeholders to review and approve changes, ensuring alignment with the program's objectives and constraints.
  • Given the phased approach envisioned by Blue Energy, change management will be an imperative aspect of the program.
  • Develop and implement CAP
• As built verification
  
  • Work with the site superintendent to verify work on site is done to spec and that interface points between modules and contractors are verified
  • Utilize the latest construction survey technology (drones, LiDAR, laser measurement, etc.)
• Performance Reporting & Metrics:
  
  • Prepare and present regular program performance reports and metrics.
• Resource Management:
  
  • Manage the QA/QC labor force, ensuring that adequate resources are allocated for each task and optimizing efficiency.
• Coordination with Stakeholders:
  
  • Work closely with project managers, construction teams, engineers, procurement teams, licensing team and commercial team to ensure that project controls align with the overall program and company goals.
  • Communicate regularly with senior management, regulatory authorities, and external stakeholders, particularly local landowners and community leaders, to provide updates on the program's status and address any concerns.
• Compliance & Regulatory Adherence:
  
  • Ensure that all site activities (including those performed by vendors and subcontractors) comply with nuclear industry regulations, as well as health, safety, and environmental standards.
  • Maintain accurate documentation for regulatory reviews, audits, and internal quality assurance processes.

• If you realize you need help resolving an issue make sure you request assistance early and resist the urge to try and resolve all issues on your own (don't try to be a hero!)
• Blue Energy has two offices, Edinburgh, UK and Washington, DC. You will be officially based in the DC Office. The role will likely require frequent travel to Edinburgh as well as other potential locations (e.g. Victoria, TX) where engineering, procurement and construction activities are progressing.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. A Master's degree or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience as a Nuclear Construction Superintendent, Nuclear QA/QC Manager or similar role, with experience in large-scale commercial, industrial, or infrastructure projects. Proven ability to manage complex projects, quality control, and safety management, with at least 3 years of experience in nuclear construction projects or energy infrastructure projects.
• Technical Skills:
  
  • Intimate knowledge of 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B - Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing and ASME NQA-1 Standard, Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility Applications
  • Strong understanding of engineering and construction processes, methods, and best practices.
  • In-depth knowledge of construction safety regulations, such as OSHA standards or local/national equivalents.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate and address project challenges proactively.
• Certifications: Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or equivalent. Certified knowledge of ASME NQA-1, ISO 9001, and other nuclear-specific standards.
• Soft Skills:
  
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.

We look forward to your application and helping foster an era of safe, clean, affordable, and abundant energy.

Blue Energy is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this or other roles at Blue Energy now or in the future.