Overview

The Senior Consultant – Program Lead provides expert leadership in Quality Assurance (QA), ISO 9001 auditing, and Nondestructive Testing (NDT) program management. This role supports complex quality initiatives across Navy shipbuilding, submarine construction, nuclear power, aerospace, and defense programs. The ideal candidate has extensive experience leading large inspection teams, strengthening quality management systems, and ensuring compliance with NAVSEA, DoD, and nuclear regulatory requirements in critical, schedule-driven environments.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Strategic Oversight

• Lead quality assurance programs for defense projects.
• Direct cross-functional quality and inspection teams to achieve defined program goals.
• Serve as the senior consultant and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for advanced NDT methodologies including UT, PAUT, FMC/TFM, ATFM, ToFD, MT, PT, VT, and ET.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance inspection reliability, reduce risk, and ensure full regulatory compliance.

Quality Management & Compliance

• Oversee ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and conduct lead audits for clients and suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement through corrective and preventive actions (CAR/CAPA) and root cause analysis.
• Support the integration of advanced inspection technologies to improve defect detection, accuracy, and traceability.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable quality codes and standards, including NAVSEA 250-1500-1, TP-271, DoD, NRC, ASME, and ISO requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

• Collaborate with production and quality teams to optimize inspection processes and ensure consistent quality performance.
• Mentor and train QA auditors, inspectors, and quality personnel; foster a culture of operational discipline and performance excellence.
• Guide suppliers and sub-tiers in achieving and maintaining compliance through structured audits, oversight, and performance metrics.

Skills / Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in Quality Assurance, Nondestructive Testing, and program leadership within defense, shipbuilding, or nuclear sectors.
• Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor with proven experience conducting complex compliance audits.
• Recognized ASNT Level III in multiple methods (MT, PT, UT) with expertise in PAUT, FMC/TFM, ATFM, and ToFD.
• In-depth knowledge of NAVSEA, DoD, NRC, and nuclear QA standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• U.S. Citizenship and eligibility for security clearance (if applicable).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting NAVSEA SUPSHIP, Electric Boat, or other Navy prime contractor programs.
• Background in advanced ultrasonic inspection deployment, quality systems enhancement, and supplier performance improvement.
• Military quality or inspection leadership experience, particularly with Navy NDI/QA programs.

Education & Certifications

• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification.
• ASNT Level III – MT, PT, UT.
• NAVSEA Examiner (TP-250-1500 & TP-271).
• Advanced training in PAUT, FMC/TFM, ATFM, and defect analysis.

Core Competencies

• Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, NAVSEA, DoD, Nuclear)
• Advanced Nondestructive Testing Methods
• Root Cause Analysis / CAR-CAPA Leadership
• Supplier Oversight & Risk Management
• Executive Communication & Technical Briefings
• Continuous Improvement & Quality Optimization
• Mentorship & Workforce Development

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) 

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