Readiness Technical Principal

Location: Amarillo, TX (Pantex Plant)

Job Title: Readiness Technical Principal

Career Level: Principal

Organization: Quality Assurance )

Job Specialty: Readiness Assurance

The Readiness Assurance (RA) department reports to the Quality Assurance Division. The department’s overarching role is to manage and execute readiness activities that confirm a nuclear or hazardous non‑nuclear facility, activity, or operation has achieved a satisfactory state of operational readiness that is safe, secure, and compliant. RA performs four core functions:
Contractor Readiness Assessments (CRA), Implementation Verification Reviews (IVR) of new or changed Technical Safety Requirements (TSRs), scheduled TSR re‑verifications, and Readiness Leader functions.

The Readiness Technical Principal provides expert guidance, coaching, and mentoring to Readiness Leaders, CRA & IVR Leaders, and TSR Verifiers for startup or restart readiness activities and implementation verification in accordance with Department of Energy (DOE) Order 425.1D, Nuclear Production Office (NPO)-Suppllemental Directive (SD)-3.4.3, and 10 CFR 830. This role combines deep technical knowledge with leadership mentoring to help the Readiness organization become and sustain a world class organization.

This role may perform all RA functions and other duties as assigned. The Readiness Technical Principal reports to the Quality Assurance Division Director and functionally to Readiness Assurance management.

• Provide subject matter expertise on DOE O 425.1D, NPO‑SD‑3.4, requirements for nuclear and hazardous non‑nuclear operations readiness review processes and 10 CFR 830 and Implementation Verification processes.
• Advise and mentor Readiness personnel and startup teams on best practices for readiness planning, self‑assessments, and corrective action management.
• Guide organizations in aligning Integrated Safety Management (ISM), safety basis implementation, and TSRs with operational readiness expectations.
• Ensure startup activities are performed in compliance with DOE directives, safety management programs, and contractual requirements.

• Mentor Readiness Leaders, CRA & IVR Leaders, and TSR verifiers on leading readiness activities and control implementation.
• Develop the skills of emerging leaders in readiness planning, evidence management, and interface with site stakeholders and external oversight bodies.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer by coaching teams through mock reviews, management self‑assessments (MSAs), and closure of readiness gaps.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational discipline.

• Assist organizations in developing readiness plans, schedules, and metrics for tracking startup progress.
• Review and advise on evidence packages, procedures, training programs, and results needed for readiness verification.
• Provide feedback on corrective action plans and strategies for addressing pre‑start and post‑start findings.
• Support senior management in decision‑making regarding readiness to proceed to independent review.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to facility management, line management, and leadership.
• Provide independent insight into readiness risks, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Facilitate communication among startup teams, DOE line management, contractors and oversight organizations to ensure alignment and reduce risks & issues.

• 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.
• Ensure compliance with standard Pantex business practices (e.g., records management, TOPIC).

• Meaningful work and unique opportunities to support missions vital to national and global security
• Top‑notch, dedicated colleagues
• Generous pay and…