Lead Quality Assurance Specialist

Advanced Technologies and Laboratories (ATL), a Planned Systems International (PSI) company, is hiring for a Lead Quality Assurance Specialist in Richland, WA.

This position will support Navarro-ATL. Navarro-ATL is located in Richland, WA and operates, manages, and maintains the 222-S Laboratory Complex for the Department of Energy. Navarro-ATL members are Navarro Research and Engineering, Inc. (Oak Ridge, TN), and Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International (Gaithersburg, MD).

222-S Laboratory is a high-complexity environmental laboratory providing analytical testing of highly radioactive samples for the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.  The laboratory has a mission to perform organic, inorganic, radiochemical, and industrial hygiene, along with novel research and process support.  The lab is accredited by the Washington Department of Ecology and American Industrial Hygiene Association and is implementing a quality system based on the DoD/DOE Quality Systems Manual (QSM 6.0).  Additionally, the laboratory operates a quality system based upon DOE Order 414.1D, 10 CFR 830, and ASME NQA-1 (2008 with 2009 Addenda).

The successful candidate will support the 222-S Complex with senior technical leadership for the analytical quality assurance team, and other duties as assigned.

Under general direction:

• Possesses and applies comprehensive QA knowledge to the completion of significant assignments.
• Technically supervises quality projects or major phases of significant quality projects, coordinating the efforts of quality assurance staff in the performance of assigned projects.
• Working collaboratively with Analytical Operations and Assurance Systems to develop new systems, processes, procedures, and controls to continually improve the Quality Management System.
• Assists in maintenance of the laboratory Quality Assurance Project Plan and other supporting documentation to ensure compliant and effective implementation of regulations.
• Supports or administers a variety of laboratory quality programs, such as corrective action, root cause analysis, method validation, accreditation maintenance, proficiency testing, and the ethics/data integrity program.
• Performs QA review of client Data Quality Objectives, Sampling and Analysis Plans, complex data packages, method validation data, and procedures and test plans.
• Provides technical guidance on integration of quality indicators and tools during the implementation of a new Laboratory Information Management System.
• Plans, schedules, and leads QA program audits, surveillances, and assessments.
• Assists with the performance of effective Management/Independent assessments.
• Provides technical consultation to lower-level quality assurance specialists.
• Other duties as assigned

• Due to the nature of the government contract requirements, US citizenship is required.
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Radiochemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline and 10 years related experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Must be able to clearly and concisely communicate with peers, management, and clients.

• Thorough knowledge of ISO 17025:2017, and TNI 2016 or QSM 6.0.
• Deep experience implementing quality management systems under the 2016 TNI Environmental Laboratory Standard, DoD/DOE QSM 6.0, or accreditation programs of similar rigor (e.g. Ca ELAP, Pa DEP, Wi DNR)
• Strong skills in developing rigorous and maintainable processes and procedures to support consistent quality.
• At least 5 years of hands-on analytical experience with SW-846, CLP, EML HASL-300, or similar methodologies.
• Familiarity with nuclear industry work practices and quality standards.

Grade 20: $131,888 - $166,263

The grade level offered to the selected candidate will be based on business needs and the candidate's education, training, and/or relevant experience.

PSI offers full-time, benefits eligible employees a competitive total compensation package that includes paid leave, and options for employer sponsored group medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D coverage, legal services, identity theft, and accident insurance. Flexible spending account and health saving account options offer pre-tax savings for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. The company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan has an employer contribution match that is immediately vested. We invest in the professional growth of our employees through professional courses, certifications, and tuition reimbursement programs.

It is company policy to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination, are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities will be provided. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources by emailing

HRDepartment@plan-sys.com