Fleet QA Auditor (Principal or Senior) - Minneapolis, MN

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow?  A  position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

Position Summary

The Fleet Principal Quality Assurance (QA) Auditor plans and performs quality assurance audits of processes and programs at all nuclear sites or at nuclear suppliers and verify implementation of Regulatory and QA Program requirements in accordance with fleet/site procedures. The Fleet Principal QA Auditor analyzes facts from observations of various work activities, interviews, and document reviews based on technical expertise. The Fleet Principal QA Auditor evaluates whether or not QA Program and other applicable requirements are met, whether identified non-compliances are significant, reports audit results, and follows up on identified issues. In conducting quality assurance audits the Fleet Principal QA Auditor may also evaluate whether or not industry standards are met, if performance improvement opportunities exist, and if high levels of performance are achieved and sustained. These areas include, but not limited to design engineering, engineering programs, operations, radiation protection, security, emergency planning, chemistry, and maintenance. The Principal Fleet QA Auditor assumes a position of leadership and makes decisions independently on problems and methods to be applied. The incumbent maintains the highest technical and professional standards, and sets an example of personal conduct, technical knowledge and evaluation skills.

Essential Responsibilities

• Leads or participates in assigned quality assurance audits, and analyzes facts from observations of various work activities, interviews, and document reviews to discern compliance with applicable requirements. This includes managing an audit team and identifying the technical and behavioral shortfalls that contribute to an issue. Investigate to get a firm understanding of why a behavior or performance shortfall exists to make a compelling case for change/action. Conduct follow-up to ensure actions taken to address identified gaps are effective.
• Independently develops quality assurance or vendor audit plans for assigned audits as required by the NSPM Quality Assurance Topical Report (QATR), including identification of applicable administrative and technical requirements against which performance will be audited.
• Perform effective written and oral communication to fleet and station management. Effective communication ensures understanding and alignment on non-compliances, performance shortfalls and gaps to excellence. Facts, requirements and significance are used to support assertions. Written products are logically organized, use concise language and are clear to intended readers.
• Establishes an effective, professional and credible relationship with personnel being audited. Work closely with the audited personnel to ensure effective and timely actions are taken to resolve identified issues and improve performance.
• Oversees and coordinates the activities of other QA Auditors. Mentors Auditors-in-training. Provides department training. Provides input for department document development, including audit procedures, master audit plans, audit schedules and audit assignments.
• Project oversight to facilitate the identification of compliance and performance issues associated with enterprise risk projects, and for communicating results to appropriate stakeholders.

Travel estimated up to 60% of time between the fleet, within the United States and out of country.

Minimum Requirements – Principal Fleet QA Auditor

• Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school or equivalent on the job experience or training.
• Minimum of 12 years of engineering experience in nuclear generating plant operations and or maintenance processes is required; equivalent electrical power plant experience in other industries or the military is acceptable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications for unescorted access to Xcel Energy's nuclear power plants.

Minimum Requirements - Senior Fleet QA Auditor

• Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school or equivalent on the job experience or training.
• Minimum of 4-11 years of engineering experience in nuclear generating plant operations and or maintenance processes is required; equivalent electrical power plant experience in other industries or the military is acceptable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications for unescorted access to Xcel Energy's nuclear power plants.

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