Pantex Plant · 14 hours ago
Readiness Assurance Leader
Amarillo, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expPantex Plant is focused on ensuring safety and compliance in nuclear operations, and they are seeking a Readiness Assurance Leader. This role involves managing readiness activities and leading assessments to ensure operational readiness in accordance with regulatory requirements.
IndustrialMachinery Manufacturing
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Develop CRA/IVR plans defining scope, objectives, schedule, criteria, and methods in alignment with DOE O 425.1D and related policies
Coordinate with facility, line, and independent oversight management, while identifying and assembling appropriate subject matter experts for reviews
Lead multidisciplinary CRA and IVR teams, assigning responsibilities, overseeing conduct of, and performing document reviews, field observations, interviews, and performance demonstrations
Assess or verify critical areas such as nuclear safety basis implementation, hazard controls, training and qualifications, procedures, emergency preparedness, and integrated safety management
Identify, validate, and document deficiencies, strengths, and opportunities for improvement to ensure operational readiness and effective safety control implementation
Facilitate timely resolution of findings, ensuring corrective actions are clearly defined, achievable, and verifiable in accordance with DOE and site expectations
Coordinate/communicate with DOE line management, contractors, and external oversight bodies to align expectations and resolve issues early
Prepare and issue final CRA and IVR reports that accurately and objectively reflect the scope, methodology, findings, observations, and conclusions
Provide clear recommendations on operational readiness or effective implementation, and brief all levels of leadership on results and safety implications
Develop and execute a comprehensive readiness preparation plan in accordance with DOE O 425.1D and NPO-SD-3.4.3 requirements
Coordinate validation of procedures, training programs, hazard controls, and safety basis implementation, including leading internal Process Performance Demonstrations
Serve as the single point of accountability and SME for readiness preparation, supporting program/project managers across all relevant functions
Lead Readiness Certification working teams, coordinating with DOE line management and providing readiness status briefings to all levels of management
Establish and maintain a readiness evidence library, ensuring objective evidence demonstrates implementation of Integrated Safety Management and nuclear safety requirements
Develop readiness metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools, and oversee mock reviews and drills to prepare for assessment activities
Identify deficiencies and readiness gaps, support the development of corrective action plans, and verify their timely closure
Manage pre-start and post-start findings, ensuring compliance with DOE-STD-3006-2010 closure criteria
Develop and deliver training and serve as mentors to Readiness staff
Advise the Readiness management team in identifying and resolving complex, diverse issues, regularly engaging with the senior leadership team and coordinating with cognizant SMEs/stakeholders across the site, to develop a resilient organization
Drive continuous improvement in readiness assurance processes
Improve and maintain department policy, procedures, and documents
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree: Minimum 12 years of relevant experience
OR Master's degree: Minimum 10 years of relevant experience
OR PhD: Minimum 7 years relevant experience
OR Applicants without a bachelor's degree may be considered based on a combination of at least 20 years of completed education and/or relevant experience
In addition to the above requirements, the applicant must also meet the requirements of DOE O 426.2A (i.e., Baccalaureate in engineering or related science, 2 years job-related and at least 1 year nuclear experience, or a DOE O 426.2A alternative). DOE O 426.2A experience requirements can be satisfied following employment
Requires a Q clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status
The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required
Position may require entry into Materials Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP)
If HRP is required, candidate must complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph, pursuant to 10 CFR 709
Medical requirements may apply
U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants
Preferred
Minimum 30 years managerial, leadership, control application, demonstrated control knowledge and understanding, and demonstrated network relationships. Minimum of 20 years of Pantex and/or applicable DOE experience preferred
Current or previous qualification as a Readiness Assessment Team Leader (RATL) under DOE or equivalent federal/contractor program preferred
Extensive experience in DOE nuclear and hazardous facility operations, startup/restart readiness, readiness reviews, and operational & nuclear safety requirements; with integration of operations, safety and regulatory compliance; and experience in readiness tracking, evidence management, and corrective action systems
Technical mastery of readiness requirements (DOE O 425.1D, DOE-STD-3006-2010, NPO-SD-3.4.3), 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 830, nuclear and hazardous facility operations, independent verification activities, technical and regulatory knowledge, nuclear safety management, safety basis and hazard control implementation
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams through complex readiness activities and independent assessments in high-hazard operational environments and to deliver defensible, high-quality results under DOE standards while balancing mission execution and safety imperatives
Demonstrated strategic planning, systems thinking, leadership, and facilitation skills
Strong organizational and project management skills
Proven analytical, problem solving, conflict & issue resolution and decision-making skills
Excellent communication skills including written and oral, business and technical – with the ability to engage and influence all levels within Pantex
Demonstrated independent & objective judgment with strong accountability and ownership mindset
Excellent interpersonal and teaming skills and committed to collaborative engagement with stakeholders and internal teams
Proven ability to coach, mentor and develop less experienced staff in high-consequence and complex operational and regulatory environments
Demonstrated commitment to instilling sustainable organizational capability and strong safety & quality culture
Benefits
Medical plan
Prescription drug plan
Vision plan
Dental plan
Employer matched 401(k) savings plan
Disability coverage
Education reimbursement
Company
Pantex Plant
Pantex Plant is the nation's primary facility for the final assembly, dismantlement, & maintenance of nuclear weapons.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Caleb Heltenberg
Program Manager, Technology Transfer | University and Industrial Partnerships
William Lindley, SHRM-SCP
Human Resources Business Partner
Recent News
Business Standard India
2025-10-21
U.S. Department of Energy
2025-04-04
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