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 a