Become a Quality Assurance Specialist (Nuclear) with the DCMA
Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a profound sense of national duty? The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is hiring a Quality Assurance Specialist (Nuclear) in Erie, Pennsylvania. This role is critical to maintaining the readiness and reliability of the Department of Defense’s most complex equipment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Quality Assurance Specialist, your day-to-day duties will involve high-level oversight of defense contractors. Key responsibilities include:
- Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring contractors adhere to strict specifications for the design, manufacturing, and repair of defense items.
- Process Auditing: Developing surveillance plans to test contractor processes and identify potential risks.
- Root Cause Analysis: Investigating defects in materials and working with manufacturers to implement corrective actions.
- Data-Driven Oversight: Utilizing statistical analysis and quality data to evaluate contractor performance.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate specific competencies. Candidates should note that substitution of education is not permitted for this grade level; relevant professional experience is required.
- Specialized Experience: You must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Documentation: A two-page maximum resume is mandatory. Ensure you list weekly hours and specific employment dates.
- Assessment: Completion of the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment within 48 hours of application.
Requirements Comparison Table
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Resume Limit | 2 Pages Max |
| Security Clearance | Secret Required |
| Assessment | USA Hire (Required) |
| Experience Level | GS-12 Level (Equivalent) |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 annually. Federal employees also enjoy a robust benefits package, including health insurance, generous leave accrual, and a comprehensive retirement plan.
If you possess the technical skills and the drive to contribute to our national defense, this Quality Assurance Specialist role in Erie is an exceptional opportunity. Prepare your two-page resume, double-check your employment dates, and submit your application to join the team that safeguards our warfighters.
Why This Quality Assurance Specialist (Nuclear) Job Matters
Elevate your career in national defense by serving as a Quality Assurance Specialist for the DCMA, ensuring the integrity of critical nuclear components.
Quality Assurance Specialist (Nuclear) Job Overview
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is seeking a dedicated Quality Assurance Specialist (Nuclear) based in Erie, Pennsylvania. This role serves as a vital link between the Department of Defense and its industrial partners, safeguarding the production and repair standards of complex nuclear-related systems. As an independent oversight entity, you will be instrumental in ensuring that the equipment provided to our warfighters meets the most rigorous safety and reliability standards in the world.
Requirements for Quality Assurance Specialist (Nuclear)
- One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
- Ability to interpret and apply complex quality assurance principles and methodologies.
- Experience in statistical analysis, process control, and quality data evaluation.
- Competency in investigating defective materials and implementing corrective actions.
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Adherence to strict two-page resume limit guidelines.
- Completion of required USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours of application submission.
Preferred Qualifications for Quality Assurance Specialist (Nuclear)
- Prior experience in nuclear-related manufacturing or maintenance oversight.
- Advanced understanding of defense acquisition processes.
- Active certification in DoD Acquisition Engineering & Technical Management.
- Demonstrated proficiency in conducting complex industrial audits.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement and savings plans (TSP)
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
- ✓Flexible work arrangements where applicable
💡 How to Apply Quality Assurance Specialist (Nuclear) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Quality Assurance Specialist (Nuclear) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account to build or update your federal resume.
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit and includes specific hours worked per week.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the application link.
- Submit all required supporting documents, including SF-50 (if applicable) and veteran's documentation.
- Monitor your email for the link to the mandatory USA Hire Assessment, ensuring completion within 48 hours.
- Track your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Review your resume carefully: Any resume exceeding two pages will automatically disqualify you.
- Be specific about hours: Explicitly state '40 hours per week' and specific date ranges (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY) for all past employment.
- Prepare for the assessment: Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the competency-based testing format.
- Save as PDF: Ensure all documents are uploaded as PDFs to preserve formatting and file integrity.
- Don't wait: Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for the USA Hire assessment requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum page count for the resume?
The resume must not exceed two pages. Exceeding this limit will result in immediate removal from consideration.
Is a Secret security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
What happens if I miss the USA Hire Assessment deadline?
You must complete the assessment within 48 hours of your application submission. Failure to complete this requirement will render your application incomplete.
Job from Defense Contract Management Agency
The DCMA is the Department of Defense’s primary agency for contract administration. As the "eyes and ears" of the DoD, the agency ensures that contracts are fulfilled on time and that the products delivered to our service members meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Joining the DCMA means playing a vital role in enhancing warfighter lethality and national security.