Quality Assurance Laboratory Manager at Minnesota… · Orangevil…

Seeking a Quality Assurance Laboratory Manager for a direct hire opportunity with our client in Orangeville, Utah.

This position offers full benefits including PTO, Medical, Dental and 401k!

Salary is between $90K - $170K per year (based on experience)

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.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance:
  • Maintain strict adherence to nuclear industry quality standards (e.g., NQA-1, ISO 17025) and regulatory guidelines.
  • Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and quality records management to support internal audits, customer requirements, and regulatory inspections.
• Testing & Analytical Oversight:
  • Oversee chemical, radiological, metallurgical, and mechanical testing programs necessary for nuclear fuel qualification.
  • Review and approve test methods, validation activities, data reports, and deviations.
  • Ensure calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• 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 improvement.
  • 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 across the organization
• You meet annual regulatory and company requirements for nuclear fuel Quality Assurance
• You ensure prompt testing and reporting turnaround times
• You collaborate effectively with Fuel Operations, Radiological Safety, EH&S, and 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 thrive in fast-paced environments and are results-driven

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• 3+ years in a regulated laboratory environment (nuclear, aerospace, medical, or other high-reliability industries preferred)

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams

• Expertise in analytical testing, quality systems, and documentation practices

• In-depth understanding of analytical instruments (e.g., ICP-MS, XRF, DSC, IC, XRD, FTIR)

• Knowledge of relevant regulatory standards, safety protocols, and quality control procedures in the nuclear industry

• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface with regulators, customers, and cross-functional teams

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with strict safety and regulatory standards

• Willingness to support extended commissioning and production campaigns at a fuel pilot line facility

• Ability to work in a secure, safety-conscious environment and handle sensitive materials in compliance with all safety guidelines

If you are interested in learning more about this role, please submit your resume for immediate consideration!

INDH