Quality Assurance Lead Engineer

About Zap Energy

Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.

Zap Energy is seeking a Quality Assurance Team Lead to support the Zap Micro Reactor (ZMR) program. In this role, you will lead the QA team to establish a right-sized QA Program, implement a graded approach that aligns with design phases and maturation of design, and integrate the QA Program throughout design, testing, procurement, fabrication, commissioning, and build. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in establishing, implementing, and operating within quality programs and standards, including ASME NQA-1, ISO 9001, ISO 19443, and/or GMP.

This role requires identifying and solving ill‑defined first‑of‑a‑kind problems. Being a team player is foundational to success in this role.

• Lead the establishment, implementation, and adherence to the Quality Assurance program, including program description, NRC and DOE engagements, compliance with federal regulations (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, 10 CFR Part 830), quality program requirements, corrective action program, records/document/data management, design and test control, configuration control, procurement, material handling/control.
• Qualified suppliers: develop and monitor a supplier list, organize and participate in supplier audits, ensure QA program requirements are met by suppliers, review supplier submittals and non‑conformance reports.
• Line manager: build the QA team, act as line manager, develop and monitor performance metrics, own team performance, delivery of scope, and professional development.
• Individual contributor: develop roadmap for QA Program implementation, write graded procedures and guides, plan and assign work packages, be the primary point of contact for the Zap QA Program.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: work with engineering and procurement teams to ensure QA program compliance, identify areas for engineering and process improvement, implement solutions.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field from an ABET‑accredited program.
• Technical experience: at least 8 years as a QA team member or manager in a QA‑subject program, experience implementing or modifying QA processes and procedures, managing technical documentation, familiarity with ASME NQA‑1, NRC licensing and/or DOE authorization frameworks.
• Technical skills: firm understanding of product lifecycle, ability to understand complex systems and identify quality issues during shop walkdowns and oversight of fabrication and testing activities.
• Managerial experience: at least 2 years managing a team of three or more direct reports.
• Communication: excellent technical writing, ability to present complex information to stakeholders, proficiency in reducing standards into procedures and actionable instructions.
• Licenses/Certifications:
  
  NQA‑1 Lead Auditor certification is a bonus.

• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and ethical standards, including infusing this commitment throughout the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Self‑starter and can‑do attitude.
• Familiarity and competence with basic program management processes and tools.
• Outside‑the‑box thinking, grounded in practical engineering solutions.
• Effective communication skills in both verbal and written forms.
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Adaptability, resilience, and commitment to continuous learning.

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range: $150,000‑210,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

Zap Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.