$140K – $180KMidFull Time
We are building the first lead-cooled SMR program in the United States and we’re hiring a Quality Assurance Manager who will define how nuclear quality is implemented from day one.
Blykalla is preparing to deploy its first US reactor through our Fjäll program, with planned activities connected to Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the US Department of Energy’s leading nuclear research site. This is a rare opportunity to step into a first-of-a-kind program at an early stage, where your work will directly shape how the reactor is designed, procured, constructed, and licensed under the DOE Authorization pathway.
Fjäll is targeting first criticality in 2027 and is backed by ~EUR 50M in funding. We are building this program from the ground up which means every hire is foundational, and your decisions will have lasting impact.
As Quality Assurance Manager, you will lead quality assurance for Blykalla’s US program and define how nuclear QA is implemented in practice. You will work closely with our Swedish QA organization — which owns the corporate QA program — to ensure full compliance with US nuclear standards while building a system that is practical, auditable, and defensible in the US context.
This is a first-wave leadership role. You will establish the US QA function, shape how the US and Sweden operate together, and build the foundation for how QA supports the program as it scales.
You will work directly with the Head of US Project Development and maintain a close working relationship with Blykalla’s VP of Engineering and QA leadership in Stockholm.
Shape US Nuclear QA Compliance
Ensure Blykalla’s corporate QA program is implemented in the US in full compliance with 10 CFR Part 830 Subpart A, DOE O 414.1D, and NQA-1. Identify US-specific requirements, adapt corporate procedures where needed, and ensure our QA approach is robust and defensible with regulators and partners.
Partner with the Swedish QA Team
Work closely with Blykalla’s Swedish QA organization to align US implementation with corporate QA practices. Resolve US–Sweden QA differences early and ensure a single coherent QA posture across the program.
Lead QA Implementation Across the Full Project Lifecycle
Lead QA implementation across Fjäll’s US activities, including design interface, procurement, construction, and commissioning. Drive rollout of QA procedures and training in the US, and build the US QA team as the program scales.
Drive QA Classification and Scope Discipline
Apply a graded approach to QA classification of structures, systems, and components for Fjäll’s US scope. Prevent nuclear scope creep into conventional systems, protect the program from unnecessary cost and schedule burden, and ensure classification decisions are defensible to regulators and partners.
Supplier, Contractor & Audit Oversight
Lead QA oversight of US suppliers, contractors, and consultants working on Fjäll. Support supplier qualification, commercial grade dedication, surveillance, and receipt inspection. Plan and execute internal and supplier audits, and support external assessments by DOE, BEA, and third parties.
Contribute to an Integrated Management System
Extend QA into a broader Management System, including Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) and nuclear security. Either bring direct experience across these or build this capability over time through hires and external support as the program scales. Ensure Fjäll operates under an integrated Management System, not siloed QA.
Must have
7+ years of nuclear quality assurance experience, with hands-on implementation of NQA-1.
Demonstrated track record implementing and auditing nuclear QA programs and procedures.
Working knowledge of QA classification, graded approach, and commercial grade dedication.
Experience managing supplier QA, audits, and corrective action processes.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, quality, or a related discipline.
Strong written communication skills; comfortable drafting procedures, program documents, and regulator-facing submittals.
Ability to operate effectively in a founder-stage environment where the QA function is being built, not inherited.
US work authorization.
Experience with the DOE Authorization process, 10 CFR Part 830 Subpart A, and DOE O 414.1D.
Experience with advanced reactor, first-of-a-kind, or demonstration programs.
Prior engagement with INL, DOE laboratories, or the broader US advanced nuclear ecosystem.
Experience bridging international QA frameworks (e.g., ISO 9001, IAEA GSR Part 2) with US nuclear QA practice.
Experience with broader management systems (e.g., HSE, nuclear security)
Lead QA auditor qualification (e.g., ASME NQA-1)
If you’re not sure you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.
Blykalla is developing the next generation of nuclear technology with our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) based on innovative fuel, materials, and reactor designs.
As Sweden’s only SMR developer, we are on a mission to decarbonize industries and enable safe, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions. Our technology uses uranium nitride fuel and lead coolant, creating novel challenges and opportunities for the fuel cycle and supporting systems.
Our US development program, Fjäll, is working toward deploying Blykalla’s first reactor in the United States, targeting first criticality in 2027. We are building this program from scratch - which means every role has real impact.
Austin, TX. Occasional travel to Stockholm, Sweden and Idaho Falls, ID.
We offer a competitive compensation package reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of this role.
Base salary: $140,000–$180,000 annually, depending on experience and background.
In addition, you can expect:
Equity participation
Comprehensive benefits through Deel, including medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401(k)
The salary range reflects our target band for Austin. The final offer will be determined based on qualifications.
You won’t be maintaining an existing QA system — you will help define it. If you are ready to build something that matters, apply now.
We are proud to foster an inclusive workplace free from discrimination. We strongly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background makes us better — and we encourage everyone to apply.
We do not accept applications via email.
