Senior Advisor – Nuclear Quality (Richland, WA)

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding a Senior Advisor — Nuclear Quality to lead program-level Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) for construction, procurement, materials, and vendor management on nuclear, radiological, and industrial projects. The advisor will serve as the Quality Discipline Lead, elevating quality culture, directing audits and vendor surveillance, managing receipt inspection and materials logistics, and providing technical oversight for installations and construction activities.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as QA Discipline Lead: develop, implement, and maintain nuclear-quality programs, policies, and training to strengthen organizational quality culture.
• Plan and perform internal and external QA audits and assessments (including lead auditing activities) to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee vendor qualification, vendor surveillance, and supplier assessments for procurement of components and spare parts; review and approve procurement and quality documentation.
• Manage QC activities during construction and installation projects (e.g., radiological monitoring equipment installation, wind turbine generator installation, landfill cover construction, remediation projects). Provide on-site inspections, nonconformance disposition, and corrective action oversight.
• Lead materials management tasks: receiving, inspection, storage, shipping, inventory control, export/logistics coordination for sensitive equipment.
• Develop and deliver QA/QC training (including nuclear-specific QA topics) to project and field staff.
• Prepare and maintain QA/QC procedures, inspection plans, and reports; interface with program/project management to integrate QA requirements into schedules and budgets.
• Act as construction QC manager when required: supervise contractors’ QC programs, conduct surveillance of fabrication and field work, and ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field
• 15+ years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Control, construction management, procurement, or materials management — preferably including nuclear industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience performing and leading QA program audits, vendor surveillance, and supplier qualification activities.
• Experience with receipt inspection, vendor surveillance, and materials/warehouse operations.
• Familiarity with nuclear-quality standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, ANSI N45.x series).
• Proven ability to manage procurement documentation, review technical purchase orders, and support contract generation and budget analysis.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications / Certifications:

• ASME & NQA-1 Lead Auditor Certification (or equivalent).
• Industry-specific certifications such as ANSI N45.2.6 Receipt Inspector or equivalent lead auditor credentials.
• Training in 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation process, construction quality management (NAVFAC/USACE), auditing methods, and hazmat/radiation worker training.
• HAZWOPR and DOT hazmat training; First Aid/CPR.

Experience Requirements (target):

• Nuclear quality program management and nuclear vendor/supplier oversight.
• Project QC management for installations (electromechanical, radiological monitoring, environmental remediation).
• Materials logistics and export control coordination for sensitive equipment.
• Development and delivery of QA/QC training and procedures.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership of QA teams and cross-functional project groups.
• Auditing and assessment expertise.
• Vendor management and supplier qualification.
• Inspection, testing, and nonconformance management.
• Strong written and verbal communication; technical report preparation.
• Safety and regulatory compliance mindset (radiological and hazardous materials awareness).

Working Conditions & Travel

Field inspections and periodic international/domestic travel to installation sites and vendor facilities may be required.

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Medical benefits, workers compensation insurance, and 401(k) plan.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. 

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience.

Pay Range: $72.14 – $86.57 hourly

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.