Quality Assurance Manager

Position Description: Position SummaryThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes galaxies and the early NRAO we are seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead and strengthen our quality assurance practices across projects and teams. This is not a role focused solely on writing policies and procedures. The successful candidate will combine QA leadership hands-on collaboration coaching and independent auditing. You will establish effective QA processes and standards while working directly with project teams to develop practical tailored QA plans that reflect the risks complexity and objectives of each project. You will be expected to be a trusted partner to project teams and help them apply QA practices effectively provide hands-on assistance when needed and independently assess whether agreed processes are being followed and are achieving the desired location for this position will be at the NRAO HQ located in Charlottesville VA on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Domestic travel will be required up to 25%.What You Will be Doing:Develop maintain and continuously improve organization-wide QA processes standards procedures and closely with systems engineers project teams stakeholders and other personnel to develop tailored QA plans for individual project-specific risks requirements timelines and delivery approaches when determining appropriate QA hands-on QA support and guidance to project teams when necessary particularly on complex high-risk or strategically important and mentor project teams on effective quality practices testing documentation reviews controls and continuous appropriate quality gates checkpoints metrics and acceptance independent QA audits and assessments to determine whether projects are following approved processes and QA identify gaps risks non-conformances and opportunities for improvement partnering with project teams to develop and implement effective and sustainable corrective corrective actions through successful completion verifying implementation effectiveness and ensuring measurable lasting management with clear objective reporting on project quality risks trends audit findings and areas requiring a culture in which quality is built into project delivery rather than treated as a final-stage evaluate QA practices and recommend improvements based on lessons learned project outcomes industry practices and emerging EnvironmentWork is mission driven team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. Occasional domestic and international travel will be You Are: You have a bachelors degree in engineering or related field8 years of progressive experience in quality assurance quality management project delivery or a closely related experience independently developing and implementing QA processes frameworks standards and experience creating project-specific QA plans rather than relying solely on standardized one-size-fits-all ability to work collaboratively with project teams and provide practical hands-on QA conducting process and project audits identifying deficiencies and driving corrective and preventive understanding of project lifecycle management risk management quality controls testing/review practices and continuous analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to distinguish meaningful quality risks from administrative communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to influence teams without simply acting as a compliance written and verbal communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate with project facility and observatory leadership the status of QA to balance independence and objectivity with a collaborative service-oriented working across multiple projects disciplines and stakeholders documentation reporting facilitation and organizational RequirementObservatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this Rewards: CompensationThe starting salary of this position is between $114019-$138024. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education experience skills competencies other qualifications of the successful candidate as well as internal equity and labor market :Associated Universities Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:Excellent paid time off (13 holidays annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)Medical dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee Total Rewards for more Instructions:Select the Apply Now button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the Opportunity Employer Statement:AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process you may submit your request by sending an email to PM20