What are the responsibilities and job description for the Readiness Assurance Senior Manager position at Pantex Plant?
Location: Amarillo, TX
Job Title: Readiness Assurance Senior Manager
Career Level: Senior Manager
Organization: Readiness Assurance (50993954)
Job Specialty: Readiness Assurance
What You'll Do
The Readiness Assurance (RA) department reports to the Quality Assurance Division. The department's overarching role is to execute readiness activities and express independent judgment affirming that a nuclear or non-nuclear hazardous facility, activity, or operation has achieved a satisfactory state of implementation and/or operational readiness (ability to operate safety and in compliance within the approved safety envelope) protecting our workers, the public and the environment. RA performs four core functions: Contractor Readiness Assessments (CRA), Implementation Verification Reviews (IVR) of new or changed Technical Safety Requirements (TSRs), periodic TSR verifications, and Readiness Certification Leader functions.
The Readiness Assurance Senior Manager provides strategic and day-to-day direction for the entire RA department. This position serves as a subject matter expert and functional manager, holding interpretive authority over key procedures and representing the organization in high-level discussions with external bodies. This position is accountable for the full lifecycle of RA processes, from programmatic improvements and resource assignment to staffing, performance management, and ensuring a safe work environment, all while supporting critical site projects and maintaining rigorous standards of safety and excellence. This position reports to the Institutional Performance Assurance Director.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
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 and 4 years nuclear experience, or a DOE O 426.2A alternative). DOE O 426.2A experience requirements can be satisfied following employment. In the interim, newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities. (Ref. DOE O 426.2A)
Preferred Job Requirements
At Pantex, you won't just find a job—you’ll discover a career of purpose safeguarding national security through work performed nowhere else on Earth. We empower dedicated, innovative individuals like you to achieve their greatest impact surrounded by exceptional talent and limitless opportunities for professional growth.
When you #JointheMission, you choose a lifetime career where your commitment is genuinely valued and rewarded. At Pantex, we believe that extraordinary talent thrives when supported by a balanced life. Discover the flexibility that empowers you to excel, coupled with a benefits package designed for your total peace of mind from comprehensive health coverage and robust retirement planning, to opportunities for continuous learning through education reimbursement.
Notes
The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired.
If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level.
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.
Pantex is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to random selection for drug testing without advance notification.
Pantex is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability or veteran status.
Job Title: Readiness Assurance Senior Manager
Career Level: Senior Manager
Organization: Readiness Assurance (50993954)
Job Specialty: Readiness Assurance
What You'll Do
The Readiness Assurance (RA) department reports to the Quality Assurance Division. The department's overarching role is to execute readiness activities and express independent judgment affirming that a nuclear or non-nuclear hazardous facility, activity, or operation has achieved a satisfactory state of implementation and/or operational readiness (ability to operate safety and in compliance within the approved safety envelope) protecting our workers, the public and the environment. RA performs four core functions: Contractor Readiness Assessments (CRA), Implementation Verification Reviews (IVR) of new or changed Technical Safety Requirements (TSRs), periodic TSR verifications, and Readiness Certification Leader functions.
The Readiness Assurance Senior Manager provides strategic and day-to-day direction for the entire RA department. This position serves as a subject matter expert and functional manager, holding interpretive authority over key procedures and representing the organization in high-level discussions with external bodies. This position is accountable for the full lifecycle of RA processes, from programmatic improvements and resource assignment to staffing, performance management, and ensuring a safe work environment, all while supporting critical site projects and maintaining rigorous standards of safety and excellence. This position reports to the Institutional Performance Assurance Director.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Provide strategic and operational direction for all RA functions, serving as functional manager and subject matter expert.
- Provide subject matter expertise, ensuring compliance with Readiness requirements such as Department of Energy (DOE) Order 425.1D, DOE-Standard-3006-2010, Nuclear Production Office Supplemental Directive 3.4.3, and 10 Code of Federal Regulations 830.
- Advise senior leadership on complex readiness issues and represent the organization in discussions with Pantex Field Office and Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
- Coordinate with DOE, contractors, and external oversight to resolve issues and align expectations.
- Facilitate communication among startup teams, facility management, line management, leadership, and oversight organizations to ensure alignment and reduce risks & issues.
- Establish and monitor performance standards and metrics, ensuring compliance, addressing weaknesses and implementing improvements.
- Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational discipline.
- Ensure RA technical, quality and process excellence.
- Implement internal processes, procedures, and training, including maintaining related software.
- Ensure expert-based training on the Readiness program is developed and delivered to multiple audiences including Operations, Program Mgmt, and assessment teams.
- Oversee comprehensive readiness preparation plans and their execution towards CRA.
- Ensure actions in the Readiness Certification Assurance Process are identified, tracked, and completed.
- Direct IVRs of new or changed TSRs and periodic TSR verifications, verifying safety basis controls are effectively implemented.
- Ensure proper conduct and documentation of readiness assessments, including evidence collection, field observations, and personnel interviews.
- Maintain a comprehensive readiness evidence library and ensure startup notification reports’ accuracy and timely submission.
- Lead staffing for the department, including CRA-IVR Leaders, Readiness Certification Leaders, and TSR Verifiers, aligning with approved budgets and needs.
- Ensure a rigorous employee training program is established and administered for RA staff, including developing training elements and providing mentoring.
- Handle personnel matters including hires, training, performance evaluations, recognitions, professional development, and disciplinary actions.
- Assign, schedule, and track RA workload.
- Manage budget, costs, service contracts, and facilitate requests for budget input, capital items, and staffing needs.
- Bachelor's Degree and minimum 10 years of relevant experience
- OR 18 or more years of education and/or relevant experience may be considered to satisfy educational and years-of-experience requirements for this posting
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 and 4 years nuclear experience, or a DOE O 426.2A alternative). DOE O 426.2A experience requirements can be satisfied following employment. In the interim, newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities. (Ref. DOE O 426.2A)
Preferred Job Requirements
- Three years of supervisory/management experience. Candidates with less years of supervisory/management experience will be required to complete a developmental plan approved by the Division Director or their delegate.
- Bachelor’s degree - preferably in engineering or a physical science discipline.
- 20 years managerial, leadership, control application, demonstrated control knowledge and understanding, and demonstrated network relationships preferred.
- 15 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 Order 425.1D, DOE-Standard-3006-2010, Nuclear Production Office Supplemental Directive 3.4.3, and 10 Code of Federal Regulations 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.
At Pantex, you won't just find a job—you’ll discover a career of purpose safeguarding national security through work performed nowhere else on Earth. We empower dedicated, innovative individuals like you to achieve their greatest impact surrounded by exceptional talent and limitless opportunities for professional growth.
When you #JointheMission, you choose a lifetime career where your commitment is genuinely valued and rewarded. At Pantex, we believe that extraordinary talent thrives when supported by a balanced life. Discover the flexibility that empowers you to excel, coupled with a benefits package designed for your total peace of mind from comprehensive health coverage and robust retirement planning, to opportunities for continuous learning through education reimbursement.
Notes
The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired.
If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level.
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.
Pantex is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to random selection for drug testing without advance notification.
Pantex is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability or veteran status.