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OVERVIEW Longenecker & Associates (L&A) seeks a motivated Director of Mission Assurance & Controls to contribute to our mission supporting our work at UCOR in Oak Ridge, TN . 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. POSITION DESCRIPTION The Director of Mission Assurance & Controls provides strategic leadership and oversight of UCOR’s enterprise-wide assurance and controls functions. This role ensures that governance, performance, and compliance systems are aligned with DOE directives and contract requirements, enabling safe, efficient, and effective execution of the UCOR mission. The position leads integrated efforts across Contract and Performance Assurance , Assessments & Analysis , Quality Assurance , Internal Audit , Risk Management , and Price-Anderson Amendments Act (PAAA) compliance , and is responsible for driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and risk-informed decision-making. A key focus of this role is leading the development and execution of high-impact assessments, LEAN evaluations, and systems-based reviews to improve effectiveness and efficiency across the organization. Key Responsibilities Contract and Performance Assurance Establish and maintain an assessment program with clear criteria for planning, conducting, and reporting oversight activities, including subcontractor evaluations. Lead the Issues Management and Corrective Action Management System (CAMS), including causal analysis, extent of condition reviews, and effectiveness evaluations. Oversee the Lessons Learned program and maintain the Assurance System Description in coordination with DOE. Assessments & Analysis Develop and maintain the Integrated Assessment Schedule (IAS), ensuring alignment with risk-informed priorities. Conduct high-risk, independent assessments focused on compliance, effectiveness, and efficiency. Conduct LEAN evaluations to identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency across the company. Conduct Systems-Based Reviews to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of enterprise processes and controls. Establish tools and processes to analyze performance and identify improvement opportunities. Collaborate with data science and analytics teams to inform assessment planning and execution. Invest in staff development to build elite capabilities in assessment and process analysis. Quality Assurance Ensure implementation of UCOR’s Quality Assurance Program Plan (UCOR-4141). Provide QA, QC, and quality engineering support across all projects and functions. Ensure compliance with 10 CFR Subpart A and NQA-1 standards using a graded approach. Promote continuous improvement in quality systems and inspection programs. Internal Audit Lead independent, objective assurance and consulting activities. Evaluate internal controls, risk exposure, and operational effectiveness. Deliver actionable insights and recommendations to improve performance and compliance. Risk Management Integrate risk-informed approaches into assurance planning and execution. Ensure enterprise risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated in alignment with DOE and contractual requirements. Collaborate with the Enterprise Risk Committee to guide assurance priorities and resource allocation. Price-Anderson Amendments Act (PAAA) Compliance Ensure compliance with PAAA requirements and reporting through the Occurrence Reporting and Processing System (ORPS). Promote a safety-conscious work environment and regulatory accountability. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business, or related field (Master’s preferred). MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in mission assurance, quality, or risk management within nuclear work environments including DOE or similar regulated environments. Deep understanding of DOE orders, including DOE O 414.1D and DOE O 226.1B. Experience with NQA-1 implementation and PAAA compliance. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive performance improvement. Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Leadership experience in nuclear work execution functions (e.g. nuclear operations, maintenance, etc.) Experience implementing LEAN principles in assurance or operational environments. Familiarity with systems-based review methodologies and data analytics tools. Prior leadership in a DOE Environmental Management contractor or similar federal program. LOCATION This position is based in Oak Ridge, TN, with occasional travel to field sites and DOE offices. Requires ability to work in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment with multiple stakeholders 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. PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING Please note that marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under Federal Law. Federal contractors must follow Federal drug-free workplace rules, which prohibit marijuana use, even if medical or recreational use is permitted under State Law. 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.