Contractor Assurance Specialist

OVERVIEW
Longenecker & Associates (L&A) seeks a motivated Contractor Assurance Specialist to contribute to our mission supporting our work at Los Alamos National Laboratory supporting N3B.
L&A is a woman-owned small business and trusted partner enabling critical missions across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex for more than 30 years. We contribute to DOE’s nuclear security and environmental remediation enterprise by providing the highest-caliber staff and experts.
L&A is unconditionally committed to mission success and the well-being of employees, the nation and the environment. Our team members are passionate about building a healthier environment for generations to come. We are a community that interfaces and effectively communicates with all levels of management and government. If you have a passion for excellence, seek opportunities to engage in mission critical work, and consistently exceed expectations, apply now to join our professional family.
Background:
The N3B Mission Assurance team are accountable for implementing an effective CAS through the implementation of contract requirements, DOE Directives, and industry best practices to demonstrate reasonable assurance that N3B management controls are effective, efficient and drive a culture of continuous improvement. CAS achieves this by managing and supporting the implementation of an integrated suite of tools and processes for N3B, including Corrective Action, Causal Analysis, Lessons Learned, Performance Indicators, Assessments and Event Management.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Contractor Assurance Specialist will work under the direction of the Contractor Assurance Supervisor / Manager to ensure the effective implementation of the N3B Contractor Assurance System Description (DOE O 226.1.B Oversight Policy) and drive implementation of the N3B Continuous Improvement Program, across Radioactive Waste Management and Environmental Remediation scopes of work. Your role as Contractor Assurance Specialist will include:

• Programmatic development, improvement and implementation of Contractor Assurance performance areas
  • Issues Management (incl. facilitation of Management Review Board)
  • Management Assessments and Integrated Assessment Schedule
  • Event Investigation
  • Observation process
  • Lessons learned / Operating Experience
  • Performance indicators and metrics
  • DOE Occurrence Reporting and Price Anderson Amendments Act Reporting

• Programmatic development, improvement and implementation of the Continuous Improvement Program
  • Perform and/or coach and mentor others to perform Causal Analysis
  • Perform and facilitate continuous improvement activities Incl. Kaizen and Rapid Improvement Events
  • Support to process owners to implement improvement actions
  • Measure improvement program success
  • Development of effective performance indicators and metrics
• Identifying, analyzing and effectively communicating issues and opportunities for improvement from multiple sources (incl. observations, oversight activities, performance data, metrics, indicators, trends, causal analyses, event investigations).

While effectively collaborating with other team members and across all levels within the organization, your role will be commensurate with your experience and extend across the breadth and depth of the program described above. A typical day is fast paced, you will be multi-tasking, prioritizing and completing activities in many of the areas, and at the same time contributing to longer term programmatic improvements. We will work with you to obtain the required skills and experience to make you successful.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in one or combination of the following: Quality Assurance, Contractor / Performance Assurance, nuclear or highly regulated / high hazard programs.
• Competent math; good oral and written communication and ability to interact with all levels of organization and with external agencies
• Adaptable and flexible, work independently or part of a team
• Proficient with Microsoft office
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently
• Ability to work in a diverse work environment
• Pre-placement physical examination, which includes drug screening, and inclusion in random drug testing program; and onsite access to Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Demonstrable ability to fulfill and promote L&A core values

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated understanding of Contractor Assurance Systems, or the elements thereof (see Position Description)
• Experienced cause analyst or event investigator
• Experience in the performance of management or self-assessment
• Knowledge of continuous improvement techniques (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma)
• Experience using databased software applications or willingness to learn

The career level of the position will be determined by the years of relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities; after a candidate has been chosen
LOCATION
This position is primarily onsite, with the occasional telework approved in advance, and is contingent on ability to gain site access to Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution dedicated to enhancing national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. The health and safety of our employees is our number one priority. During this covid environment, this position will continue to report on site following the New Mexico health guidelines. We have taken all the recommended safety measures to provide a safe work environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Successful candidates will be able to perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation. This job posting reflects management’s assignment of essential functions and the descriptions listed do not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
As an L&A employee, you will be eligible for a competitive salary as well as a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare (medical and dental), 401K plan, and paid time off. We believe in investing in our employees beyond compensation and as an L&A employee, you will have access to in-house training, career pathing, mentoring, award programs, tuition reimbursement and much more.
L&A is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or status as a qualified individual with a disability or protected veteran.