Quality Assurance Laboratory Manager

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. The Team As part of the Regulations & Safety organization, Quality Assurance establishes the systems and standards that ensure products and processes consistently meet the highest levels of quality and compliance. The team promotes continuous improvement and operational excellence across the company. 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. Key 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 of 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 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. Basic Qualifications Education: • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred. Experience: • 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-conscious environment and handle sensitive materials in compliance with all safety guidelines. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).