Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. **Job Summary** Battelle is seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to serve as a technical authority for nuclear Quality Assurance (QA) across advanced reactor development programs. This role provides QA support for next-generation reactor technologies, ensuring alignment with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Department of Energy (DOE), and applicable international frameworks. The Principal Quality Engineer acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, customers, and regulators, influencing quality strategy, regulatory positioning, and licensing readiness across the full lifecycle of advanced nuclear technologies. This position is responsible for the effectiveness, scalability, and regulatory defensibility of nuclear QA programs across multiple programs and customers, driving consistency and scalability across the organization's reactor development portfolio. Battelle's preference is for this position to be based in a hybrid capacity from our headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. Candidates located in the Columbus area, or those willing to relocate to the region, are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference. However, highly qualified candidates from other locations will also be considered to work remote. **Responsibilities** QA Program Development and Regulatory Compliance · Support development, implementation, and maintenance of nuclear QA programs compliant with 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B, DOE O 414.1E, and ASME NQA-1. · Define and apply graded approach methodologies, including structures, systems, and components (SSC) safety classification and special treatment requirements. · Provide interpretation of QA regulatory requirements. · Serve as an interface with NRC, DOE, and customers for QA-related audits, reviews, and regulatory engagements. Design Control and Verification · Support development of design control, verification, and change control processes for safety-related SSCs. · Define verifier independence requirements and serve as, or designate, independent design verifiers. · Support development of software quality processes in accordance with NQA-1 Part II, Subpart 2.7. Procurement, Supplier, and Supply Chain Quality · Support development of procurement quality requirements, supplier qualification criteria, and commercial grade dedication (CGD) processes. · Maintain approved supplier lists and oversee supplier audits, surveillance, and source inspections. Fabrication and Operations Readiness · Provide QA oversight for fabrication, inspection, testing, handling, storage, and shipping of nuclear components. · Support development of quality controls supporting construction, commissioning, startup, and operational readiness activities. · Support maintenance, in-service inspection, and surveillance programs as applicable. Audits, Assessments, and Corrective Action · Lead internal audit and assessment programs in accordance with NQA-1 requirements. · Manage corrective action programs, including root cause analysis, trending, and effectiveness reviews. · Support management assessments of QA program adequacy and performance. **Key Qualifications** · Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, or related technical discipline. · 10+ years of progressive QA experience, including 7+ years in nuclear QA. · Demonstrated experience developing and implementing QA programs compliant with 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B and ASME NQA‑1. · Working knowledge of DOE O 414.1E CRD Attachment 2 requirements. · Experience developing QA implementing procedures across multiple 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B criteria. · Experience with commercial grade dedication and critical characteristic identification per NQA‑1 Subpart 2.14. · NQA‑1 Lead Auditor certification (current or ability to obtain). · Experience interfacing with NRC and/or DOE on QA program matters. · Strong technical writing skills and ability to produce regulator‑ready documents. **Preferred Qualifications** Education and Professional Certifications · Master's degree in engineering or related technical discipline. · ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE). Nuclear Domain Experience · Experience supporting advanced reactor programs (e.g., PHWR, HTGR, MSR, SFR, microreactors). · Familiarity with risk-informed QA and 10 CFR Part 53 concepts. · Experience with NRC pre-application engagements and licensing strategy development. · Knowledge of ASME Section III and its interface with NQA-1