Quality Assurance Risk Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

NANO Nuclear Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactor systems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilient energy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR Energy System, LOKI MMR Energy System, and ZEUS Solid Core Battery Reactor-advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed for applications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities, and critical infrastructure-the company is advancing innovative nuclear solutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has also submitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMR at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), representing a significant milestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology. 

Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems and advance the materials technologies needed for next-generation energy systems. 

NANO Nuclear Energy is seeking an uncompromising, highly experienced Quality Assurance Manager to own and elevate our corporate Quality Assurance Program. In strict alignment with NANO's corporate scaling and titling guidelines, this role will initially be designated at the Manager level. Upon successfully demonstrating operational excellence, team leadership, and cultural fit through a defined due diligence period, the candidate will be eligible for a direct promotion to the Director of Quality Assurance (DQA) title.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, the QA Manager serves as the senior owner and accountable lead for the Quality Assurance Program, with sufficient independence and direct executive access to escalate safety or quality matters. This ensures that all advanced reactor development, engineering, and procurement activities strictly adhere to industry regulations and NANO's internal quality standards without implying that QA owns quality to the exclusion of the rest of the NANO team. This is an active people-management role; the candidate will step in as a leader on day one, taking on the immediate personnel management of up to three (3) direct reports.

The QA Manager serves as the accountable lead for the Quality Assurance Program requirements and is responsible for the following:

• Team Leadership & Management: Act as the dedicated Reporting Manager for the QA department, directly managing, mentoring, and prioritizing the daily tasks and performance outcomes of up to three (3) initial direct reports.
• Program Authority: Act as the senior owner and accountable lead for the Quality Assurance Program, maintaining sufficient independence and direct executive access to the CEO to escalate critical safety or quality matters.
• Audit & Surveillance: Conduct selected reviews and perform surveillances/audits to assure that all design documents are prepared, reviewed, and approved in strict accordance with industry Quality Assurance Program requirements.
• Supply Chain QA: Review procurement documents as necessary to verify and enforce QA requirements with vendors and subcontractors.
• Corrective Action Program: Maintain comprehensive Company tracking of conditions adverse to quality and non-conformances; actively verify and enforce closure of these issues as required.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Participate in Company program interface meetings, ensuring QA is embedded in all engineering, testing, and operational decisions.
• Delegation & Ownership: While specific tasks may be designated to other QA personnel, the QA Manager retains absolute program ownership and responsibility at the management level.

To successfully guide NANO through NRC regulations and commercial deployment, we are targeting highly experienced candidates who bring:

• 10 to 15 years of dedicated Nuclear Quality Assurance experience.
• 5+ years of experience working directly at a nuclear utility.
• 5+ years of leadership experience serving as a QA Manager or Director.
• Certifications: Active Lead Auditor Certification.
• Technical Expertise: Extensive, practical knowledge of ASME Codes.
• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related science field.
• Cultural Fit: A relentless drive and passion for the advanced nuclear sector, and a desire to build a team that sets the next industry standard in Quality Assurance.

• A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence. 
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership. 
• The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future. 
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance with generous company contributions.
• Company 401(k) plan with 5% match.
• Unlimited PTO policy with company holidays and paid parental leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.