Welding Quality Control Supervisor

Company Overview

Kairos Power is a new nuclear energy technology and engineering company whose mission is to enable the world’s transition to clean energy, with the ultimate goal to dramatically improve people’s quality of life while protecting the environment. This goal will be accomplished through the commercialization of the fluoride-salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor (FHR) that can be deployed with robust safety, affordable costs, and flexible operation to accommodate the expansion of variable renewables.

Job Summary

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Welding Quality Control Supervisor to oversee welding inspection activities, manage compliance with ASME Section VIII, and lead the development and maintenance of in-house welding inspection programs towards future nuclear compliance. This leadership role will provide guidance on welding-related quality management systems, focusing on non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and welding standards. The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in welding inspection, ASME compliance, and nuclear welding industry practices.

Responsibilities

ASME Section VIII Program Oversight and Compliance

• Manages the site-specific ASME Section VIII welding inspection program, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and maintaining facility certifications.
• Ensures all weld inspections comply with applicable industry standards (e.g., ASME, AWS) and regulatory requirements.
• Provides input on ASME Section VIII compliance by reviewing processes, identifying gaps, and supporting nuclear expansion efforts in accordance with industry standards and regulations.
• Reviews and validates ASME Section VIII vessel documentation prior to hydrotesting and stamping to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory standards.

Inspection and Technical Expertise

• Leverages expertise in NDE methods (e.g., RT, UT, MT, PT, VT) to lead inspections, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical guidance to the team.
• Supports the development of an in-house welding inspection program, including training, certification requirements, and infrastructure for VT, PT, RT, MT, and UT methods.

Team Management and Leadership

• Supervises and guides internal and external weld inspectors to evaluate weld quality and integrity in the shop.
• Oversees the welding inspection team’s training and certification process, ensuring all credentials are current and meet industry and regulatory standards.
• Recruits, mentors, and evaluates the performance of welding inspection team members, fostering professional development and ensuring high competency in inspection and quality control practices.

Vendor and Third-Party Coordination

• Reviews and assesses external vendors for ASME-compliant welding inspections, offering observations and recommendations for process improvements or vendor selection.
• Coordinates and leads third-party inspection activities, working with authorized inspectors and external auditors to ensure adherence to welding and ASME standards.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Identifies opportunities to enhance welding fabrication processes, quality assurance measures, and documentation practices, collaborating with internal teams.
• Manages and processes Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), ensuring timely communication and resolution.
• Collaborates with Engineering, Manufacturing, and other departments to share insights, maintain quality processes, and ensure regulatory compliance for welding-related activities.
• Conducts regular root cause analyses for recurring welding defects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement corrective and preventive measures.

Records and Documentation

• Maintains comprehensive inspection and testing records, ensuring proper documentation and retention for regulatory and audit purposes.
• Develops or refines written procedures to standardize inspection processes and sustain consistent quality throughout all welding activities

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of welding inspection and quality control experience, with a strong focus on ASME Section VIII, nuclear welding, and NDE methods.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing or directing a team of welding inspectors, with demonstrated success in team development, performance management, and training.
• Required Level II certifications in multiple NDE disciplines; Level III certifications (e.g., RT, UT, MT, PT, VT) are preferred.
• Highly desirable certifications in ASME Section VIII, AWS, or related areas; CWI or CWS preferred.
• Deep knowledge of AS