Job Description: Quality Assurance (QA) Technician

Location: Santa Fe, NM

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience Level: Mid-level (2–4 years)

Reporting To: Quality Assurance (QA) Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Quality Assurance Technician to join our team. This role is critical in maintaining the integrity of our quality systems and ensuring compliance with both commercial and high-integrity nuclear standards. Reporting directly to the QA Manager, you will support engineering projects through meticulous documentation control, hands-on inspection, and rigorous testing protocols in an environment governed by ISO 9001 and ASME NQA-1.

Reporting Structure & Accountability

Direct Report: This position reports directly to the Quality Assurance Manager. Communication Loop: Act as a key liaison between the QA Manager and the Engineering/Production departments, providing regular updates on non-conformance trends and audit readiness. Autonomy: Expected to exercise independent judgment when identifying quality deviations and possesses the authority to "stop work" if safety or compliance is at risk.

Key Responsibilities

1. Documentation Control & Quality Records

Maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) documentation in strict accordance with ISO 9001 and NQA-1. Manage Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to ensure all engineering drawings and procedures are version-controlled. Ensure "Lifetime Records" and quality evidence are archived correctly to meet nuclear-grade traceability standards.

2. Inspection & Metrology Support

Perform Incoming Quality Control (IQC) and final inspections using required Measurement and Test Equipment. Identify and document non-conformances (NCRs); assist the QA Manager in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective Action (CA).

3. Testing & Engineering Project Support

Provide QC support for functional, mechanical, or environmental tests on products based on engineering test plans. Support engineers in the setup of test fixtures and the collection of objective evidence for validation. Summarize test data into formal reports per NQA-1 reporting standards.

4. Supplier Quality & Travel

Supplier Assessments: Perform on-site visits to supplier facilities to assess quality capabilities and adherence to procurement requirements. Travel: Ability to travel up to 10% for supplier audits and site inspections.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

Technical Knowledge:

Standards: Preferred working knowledge of ISO 9001 and ASME NQA-1. Drawings: Ability to interpret mechanical and electrical engineering drawings.

Software & Systems (Preferred):

MS Windows: Strong proficiency in navigating Windows file structures and managing shared network drives. MS Office Suite: Excel: Intermediate skills (pivot tables and formula-based tracking). Word: Professional formatting for technical procedures and reports. Adobe Acrobat: Expertise in creating, OCR-scanning, and "flattening" PDFs, as well as using digital signatures for controlled document distribution.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to [25] lbs. Manual dexterity required for handling precision components and operating test equipment.