QA Program Lead

Alva Energy is seeking a Quality Assurance Program Lead to drive day-to-day execution of the quality program behind Alva's power uprate programs. As the first dedicated quality hire, the role works alongside the quality consultant to stand up an integrated quality program that meets NQA-1 and achieves ISO 9001 compliance, then keeps the program running day to day across safety-related work on a first-of-a-kind commercial energy project integrating a novel secondary turbine-generator plant. This is a hands-on role: drafting procedures, qualifying suppliers, performing audits, driving corrective actions to closure, and assembling the quality records package at turnover. Reports to the VP of Operations, with direct access to the CEO on quality matters.

Responsibilities

Direct the quality consultant and hold suppliers and contractors to Alva's requirements, driving the stand-up plan to schedule across Engineering, Procurement, and Project Management; Develop the QA Program Manual and user-focused procedures aligned with NQA-1, Appendix B, and ISO 9001; Lead the transition from the consultant to Alva through NQA-1 implementation, client acceptance, and knowledge transfer; Keep procedures current and maintain ISO 9001 compliance, including quality objectives and management reviews; Serve as Alva's in-house expert on quality standards, training staff and advising teams on building quality into their processes; Conduct or support internal and supplier audits, and maintain the Approved Supplier List; Own the nonconformance, corrective action, commercial-grade dedication, and 10 CFR Part 21 processes from initiation through closure; Serve as the quality point of contact for utility and supplier QA organizations, lead client audits and NRC inspections, and report program health to leadership; Catch quality problems early in design and procurement, before they turn into rework or schedule delays

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, or a related technical discipline; 5-8 years of quality assurance experience in the nuclear industry; Hands-on experience writing procedures for and maintaining a 10 CFR 50 Appendix B / ASME NQA-1 quality program; Experience leading or participating in internal or supplier audits, with a working knowledge of NQA-1 audit requirements; Experience coordinating work across consultants, contractors, and internal teams against a defined scope and schedule; Experience with commercial-grade dedication and 10 CFR Part 21 evaluations; Demonstrated experience implementing, maintaining, and improving an ISO 9001-compliant quality management system

Nice to have

Experience building or standing up a quality program at a new or growing organization; Experience on the supplier or EPC side of the nuclear supply chain; Participation in NUPIC joint supplier audits; NQA-1 Lead Auditor qualification (current or previous); ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE); ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification (e.g., Exemplar Global or CQI/IRCA); Familiarity with ISO 45001 and experience supporting an integrated quality and occupational health and safety management system; Familiarity with I&C, turbine-generator, or balance-of-plant equipment and power uprate modifications; Experience with electronic QA records and document control systems; Experience supporting first-of-a-kind, demonstration, or complex infrastructure projects