Quality Engineer

Job Description

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for ensuring that all activities and products associated with nuclear power generation meet quality and regulatory requirements. This will include planning, monitoring, and reporting on all quality activities throughout the nuclear power generation lifecycle. The Quality Engineer will work closely with various stakeholders, including engineers, project managers, regulatory bodies, and suppliers, to identify and mitigate risks, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement quality plans, procedures, and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
Perform quality audits and inspections to identify non-conformances, track corrective and preventive actions, and ensure timely resolution of issues.
Ensure that all documentation, including design and test documentation, meets the required quality standards.
Collaborate with suppliers to ensure they meet the required quality standards and provide quality assurance support during the procurement process.
Provide guidance and support to project teams to ensure quality requirements are met and that risks are identified and mitigated.
Monitor and report on quality metrics, highlighting areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as required.
Liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Provide training and support to staff to ensure awareness and understanding of quality requirements.

Qualifications and Experience:

Degree in engineering or a related field
At least 5 years of experience in a quality engineering role in the nuclear industry
Strong knowledge of quality management systems and standards, such as ISO 9001 and ASME NQA-1
Knowledge of nuclear industry regulations and standards, such as ONR, IAEA, and WANO
Experience in conducting quality audits and inspections and developing quality plans and procedures
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions

Working Conditions:

The Quality Engineer will work in an office and on-site environment, with occasional travel required to other sites or supplier facilities. The role may require working outside of normal business hours to meet project deadlines or respond to urgent quality issues.

Salary:

The salary for a Quality Engineer in the UK nuclear industry can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and the specific employer. However, the average salary range is typically between £40,000 and £60,000 per year.

Featured Courses

Some featured courses that may be beneficial for a Quality Engineer in the UK nuclear industry include:

Nuclear Quality Assurance Fundamentals - This course provides an overview of quality assurance principles and practices specific to the nuclear industry. It covers topics such as regulatory requirements, documentation, audits, and inspections.
ASME NQA-1 Lead Auditor Training - This course provides training on the requirements of the ASME NQA-1 standard for nuclear quality assurance programs. It covers auditing techniques, documentation requirements, and corrective action processes.
Radiation Protection Supervisor - This course provides training on the principles and practices of radiation protection in the nuclear industry. It covers topics such as radiation sources, exposure limits, monitoring, and emergency response.
Project Management for Nuclear Professionals - This course provides training on project management principles and practices specific to the nuclear industry. It covers topics such as risk management, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance.
Nuclear Safety Culture - This course provides training on the principles and practices of nuclear safety culture. It covers topics such as leadership, communication, and continuous improvement.

These courses can help Quality Engineers in the nuclear industry to develop their knowledge and skills, and to stay up-to-date with industry regulations and standards.

Salary

Average Salary

Average Hourly Rate

£50,000

£30.00

The average salary for a Quality Engineer in the UK nuclear industry can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and the specific employer. However, the average salary range is typically between £40,000 and £60,000 per year.

Requirements

The job requirements for a Quality Engineer in the UK nuclear industry may include:

Education: A degree in engineering or a related field is typically required. Some employers may also require a postgraduate qualification in quality management.
Experience: At least 5 years of experience in a quality engineering role in the nuclear industry is typically required. Experience in conducting quality audits and inspections, developing quality plans and procedures, and working with regulatory bodies is also beneficial.
Knowledge: Strong knowledge of quality management systems and standards, such as ISO 9001 and ASME NQA-1, is required. Knowledge of nuclear industry regulations and standards, such as ONR, IAEA, and WANO, is also essential. Additionally, knowledge of nuclear power generation and associated technologies is beneficial.
Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, with the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions are also essential. Attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet project deadlines are also important.
Certifications: Certification in quality management systems, such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), is beneficial. Certification in nuclear quality assurance, such as ASME NQA-1 Lead Auditor, is also advantageous.
Security Clearance: Due to the sensitive nature of the nuclear industry, many employers may require candidates to obtain security clearance before starting work.

These requirements may vary depending on the specific employer and the role.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of the role:

PROS

Challenging work: Quality Engineers in the UK nuclear industry are responsible for ensuring that all activities and products associated with nuclear power generation meet quality and regulatory requirements. This can be a challenging and rewarding role, as the work is critical to ensuring the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants.
Competitive salary: The average salary range for a Quality Engineer in the UK nuclear industry is typically between £40,000 and £60,000 per year, which is a competitive salary range.
Professional development: Quality Engineers in the UK nuclear industry may have opportunities for professional development, including training courses, certifications, and on-the-job learning.
Job security: The nuclear industry is a regulated industry with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability, which can provide job security for Quality Engineers.

CONS

High-pressure environment: Quality Engineers in the UK nuclear industry work in a high-pressure environment, as the work is critical to ensuring the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants. This can be stressful and demanding at times.
Strict regulatory requirements: The nuclear industry is subject to strict regulatory requirements, which can make it challenging for Quality Engineers to ensure compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.
Limited geographic options: The UK nuclear industry is concentrated in a few locations, which may limit geographic options for Quality Engineers seeking employment.
Security clearance requirements: Due to the sensitive nature of the nuclear industry, many employers may require candidates to obtain security clearance before starting work, which can be a time-consuming and challenging process.

What is the job like

The typical day of a Quality Engineer in the UK nuclear industry can vary depending on the specific employer and project. However, some of the common activities that a Quality Engineer may perform on a typical day include:

Reviewing quality documentation: Quality Engineers are responsible for reviewing and approving quality documentation, such as procedures, work instructions, and test plans, to ensure that they meet regulatory and quality requirements.
Conducting quality inspections: Quality Engineers may conduct quality inspections of equipment, components, or systems to ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.
Conducting audits: Quality Engineers may conduct audits of suppliers, subcontractors, or internal processes to ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.
Liaising with stakeholders: Quality Engineers may liaise with stakeholders, such as project managers, design engineers, and regulators, to ensure that quality requirements are understood and implemented.
Developing quality plans: Quality Engineers may develop quality plans for projects, which outline the quality objectives, processes, and responsibilities.
Participating in meetings: Quality Engineers may participate in project meetings, quality reviews, and other forums to provide input and ensure that quality requirements are being met.
Monitoring quality metrics: Quality Engineers may monitor and analyze quality metrics, such as non-conformance rates, to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Maintaining documentation: Quality Engineers are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date quality documentation, such as quality records and reports.

These are some of the common activities that a Quality Engineer in the UK nuclear industry may perform on a typical day, although the specific activities may vary depending on the employer and project.

Is this job for me

Best Personality for this career.

A Quality Engineer in the UK nuclear industry should possess a combination of technical skills, knowledge, and personal qualities that enable them to effectively manage quality processes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The following are some of the personal qualities that can be beneficial for a Quality Engineer in the UK nuclear industry:

Attention to detail: Quality Engineers must have strong attention to detail and the ability to identify potential quality issues.
Analytical thinking: Quality Engineers must be able to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions.
Strong communication skills: Quality Engineers must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels.
Ethical conduct: Quality Engineers must uphold high ethical standards and be committed to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Flexibility: Quality Engineers must be adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
Teamwork: Quality Engineers must be able to work effectively as part of a team and be able to collaborate with others to achieve project goals.
Resilience: Quality Engineers must be able to work under pressure and remain calm and focused in challenging situations.
Continuous improvement mindset: Quality Engineers must have a mindset of continuous improvement and be committed to identifying and implementing improvements to quality processes and systems.

Overall, a Quality Engineer in the UK nuclear industry should have a strong work ethic, a commitment to safety and quality, and the ability to work effectively in a challenging and complex environment.