ASME Quality Control Program Manager

Job Summary

The ASME Code Quality Program Manager is responsible for leading the company’s ASME Quality Program with a focus on compliance to ASME Section VIII (Pressure Vessels), ASME Section IX (Welding and Brazing Qualifications), and ASME Section III (Nuclear Components).  This individual ensures that design, fabrication, inspection, and testing activities meet all applicable ASME Code requirements and internal quality standards.

The role combines technical expertise in nondestructive testing (NDE/NDT) methods with programmatic oversight of welding-related ASME Quality Control Programs, including coordination with regulatory bodies, Authorized Inspectors, and internal engineering and manufacturing teams.

Responsibilities

ASME Program Leadership and Compliance

• Lead, maintain, and implement the company’s ASME Quality Control Program in alignment with ASME Code requirements and internal quality standards.
• Partner with inspection leads on site-specific welding inspection programs, ensuring compliance with ASME Sections III, VIII, and IX, and maintaining facility certifications.
• Serve as the company’s primary liaison to the AIA for Code documentation review, Data Report sign-off, and quality manual acceptance.
• Ensure that fabrication, testing, and documentation comply with ASME Sections VIII, IX, and (in future phases) Section III.
• Provide input on ASME compliance by reviewing processes, identifying gaps, implementing corrective actions, and supporting nuclear readiness efforts for future N-Stamp certification.
• Own and maintain the ASME Quality Control Manual, ensuring procedures, records, and processes align with Kairos Power’s internal standards and ASME Code requirements.
• Coordinate revisions and submittals of the Quality Manual to ASME or the AIA for acceptance and continued certification.
• Monitor Code revisions, regulatory updates, and industry best practices, ensuring that internal programs and procedures remain current.
• Ensure document control processes for Code-related records are compliant, secure, and meet retention requirements.

Inspection, Documentation and Audit Management

• Oversee preparation, review, and approval of ASME Section VIII vessel documentation prior to hydrotesting and stamping to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory standards.
• Coordinate and lead third-party inspection activities, working with Authorized Inspectors and external auditors to ensure adherence to ASME standards and continued certification.
• Lead internal quality audits and readiness reviews for ASME and regulatory audits; interface with the Authorized Inspection Agency (AIA), ASME, and the National Board as required.
• Participate in in-process and final inspections to verify conformance to drawings, procedures, and Code requirements.
• Lead root cause analyses and corrective action processes for ASME-related nonconformances or audit findings.

Technical Guidance and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Apply expertise of NDE methods (RT, UT, PT, MT, VT, and advanced ultrasonic or digital radiography techniques) to support the development of inspection procedures, techniques, and acceptance criteria in accordance with ASME Codes and internal standards.
• Collaborate with design engineering, manufacturing, and welding engineering teams to ensure quality is integrated throughout production and that quality or compliance issues are resolved promptly.
• Provide technical guidance during design reviews, material selection, and fabrication planning to ensure ASME Code compliance.
• Develop and deliver training or awareness sessions for engineering, fabrication, and inspection personnel on ASME Code requirements and quality expectations.
• Support quality planning and risk assessment activities during new product introduction or new fabrication processes that fall under ASME program scope.

Supplier and Subcontractor Compliance

• Support supplier quality evaluations and audits to ensure subcontractors performing Code work maintain compliance with Kairos Power’s ASME program.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Materials, or Welding Engineering (or related technical discipline).
• 7+ years of experience in NDT and ASME Code quality programs within a pressure vessel, nuclear, or heavy fabrication environment.
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, welding, and fabrication processes.
• Deep working knowledge of ASME Section VIII Div. 1 & 2, Section IX, and ASME Section III requirements.
• Proven experience managing an ASME Code Quality Control Program, including preparation of Data Reports and certification packages.
• Advanced proficiency in welding inspection techniques (VT, PT, RT, UT, MT); Level III certification (or eligibility) in at least one NDT discipline preferred.
• Experience interacting with Authorized Inspectors, AIAs, and regulatory bodies.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and maintaining ASME Code Quality Manuals and related procedure documentation.
• Experience conducting internal audits or possessing auditor training.
• Experience with nuclear component fabrication and documentation control systems is a plus
• Experience conducting internal audits or possessing auditor training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of ASME Section VIII, Section IX, and Section III requirements and their application to design, fabrication, and inspection processes.
• Advanced understanding of welding processes, metallurgy, fabrication practices, and related NDE methods.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, welding procedure specifications (WPS/PQR), Code Data Reports, and quality documentation.
• Skill in leading audits, managing certification programs, and coordinating with Authorized Inspectors and regulatory bodies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify compliance gaps, evaluate inspection results, and recommend corrective actions.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Ability to manage complex documentation systems and maintain accurate, audit-ready records.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive quality culture and program compliance.
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of one self and others
• Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge
• Ability to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issues
• Familiarity with document control tools and quality management systems used in regulated fabrication industries.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory and Code changes to company processes and documentation.
• Competence in conducting root cause analysis (RCA) and leading corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities.
• Knowledge of material traceability, heat-number tracking, and MTR/MTC requirements for ASME-certified fabrication.
• Ability to mentor inspection personnel and contribute to NDE/welding competency development.
• Proficiency with digital tools used for inspection management, quality documentation, and code data reporting.

Physical Demands

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, and articulated boom lifts.
• Setting up and transferring temporary structures (e.g., scaffolding, ladders).
• Moving in various positions to accomplish tasks, including tight or confined spaces.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving between workstations or worksites.
• Lifting, adjusting, or transporting objects up to 50 pounds.
• Communicating effectively with others.
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment, or machinery.
• Using hand tools.
• Performing repetitive assembly operations in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams.

Environmental Conditions

• General office and fabrication environments.
• Exposure to low and high temperatures, precipitation, and wind.
• Noisy environments and confined spaces.
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, or chemical reactions.
• Work at elevated heights.
• High-concentration, demanding, and fast-paced work conditions requiring accuracy and thoroughness.

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs.
• Reporting equipment issues or unsafe conditions.
• Identifying and distinguishing colors as required.
• Wearing appropriate PPE including face mask, face shield, gloves, and safety shoes.

Travel

• Some travel may be required (5%)

Certification

• Level II (or higher) certifications in at least one NDT discipline preferred.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) a strong plus.
• Qualification to perform as ASME Code Program Manager per NB-360 or ASME Certificate of Authorization requirements preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Occasionally requires working weekends 
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

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