Quality Assurance Laboratory Manager

About the role

The Quality Assurance (QA) Laboratory Manager oversees all analytical, inspection, and testing activities within the Quality Assurance Laboratory of an advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing facility. This role ensures that all materials, in-process products, and finished nuclear fuel components meet rigorous regulatory, safety, and performance standards. The QA Lab Manager supervises Laboratory Technicians; maintains and operates analytical instruments; collects, reduces and stores acquired data; maintains inventory of necessary consumables; and tracks and executes calibrations and scheduled instrument service. The QA Lab Manager will drive excellence in laboratory operations, data integrity, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, world-class nuclear-grade quality culture.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Leadership & Management: Direct daily lab operations, ensuring testing activities align with production schedules and regulatory requirements. Supervise, coach, and develop laboratory staff, promoting a culture of safety, precision, and accountability.
• Data Integrity & Technical Reporting: Ensure accurate, reproducible, and fully traceable test results. Prepare and review technical reports, certificates of analysis, and nonconformance investigations. Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues.
• Quality Monitoring & Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report engineering metrics on process performance, including yield, cost, and safety. Prepare and present detailed reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational insights
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, Procurement, and Regulatory Affairs to support process qualification and continuous process improvements. Provide expert guidance on material specifications and testing methodologies.
• You Will Be Successful in This Role If
• You are passionate about quality products, safety, and continuous improvement in all areas of the organization
• You meet annual regulatory and company requirements for nuclear fuel Quality Assurance
• You manage prompt testing and reporting turnaround times
• You collaborate effectively with Fuel Operations, Radiological Safety, EH&S, Materials Controls and Accountability to meet production, safety, and regulatory reporting needs]
• You provide solutions to increase productivity without sacrificing quality, safety, or regulatory requirements
• You enjoy fast-paced environments and are focused on results.

Requirements

• Education:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a regulated laboratory environment, ideally within nuclear, aerospace, medical or other high-reliability manufacturing sectors.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Expertise analytical testing, quality systems, and documentation practices.
• Skills & Knowledge:
• In-depth understanding of common analytical instruments (e.g, ICP-MS, XRF, DSC, IC, XRD, FTIR, etc.)
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory standards, safety protocols, and quality control procedures in the nuclear industry.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interface with regulators, customers, and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Preferred Skills and Experience
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with strict safety and regulatory standards.
• Willingness to work at fuel pilot line facility for extended commissioning and production campaigns.
• Ability to work in a secure, safety-consciou

Additional Information

About Valar Atomics At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable-unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.

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