Overview
About Thorburn Flex
Thorburn Flex is a Canadian manufacturer of engineered flexible piping systems, metallic expansion joints, hose assemblies, and pressure-retaining equipment. We serve nuclear, energy, industrial, and aerospace customers across Canada and the United States.
Thorburn Flex holds active ASME certifications and has established customers in the US nuclear market. We operate under both the Canadian (CNSC/RBQ) and American (US NRC) regulatory frameworks, and the continued growth of our US nuclear business is a strategic priority for the company.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the President, the Senior Quality Assurance Director is responsible for the overall leadership, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of Thorburn Flex's Quality Assurance Programs across both the Canadian (CSA/CNSC) and US (NRC/NQA-1) nuclear regulatory frameworks.
This is a dual-jurisdiction role. Thorburn Flex currently holds ASME certifications recognized under both Canadian and US regulatory oversight and serves active customers in the US nuclear market. The successful candidate must be capable of managing quality obligations under both frameworks simultaneously and supporting the company's continued growth in the US nuclear sector.
The position may be performed partially remotely, with on-site presence required for certification audits, regulatory reviews, customer audits, and key program activities.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management System Leadership
- Lead the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the company's Quality Management Systems under both Canadian and US nuclear regulatory frameworks.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations — including active US NRC-regulated customer requirements.
- Maintain quality manuals, procedures, work instructions, and supporting documentation.
- Monitor quality system effectiveness through metrics, audits, and management reviews.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
- Prepare and present the Annual Management Review to executive leadership.
Regulatory and Code Compliance
Provide leadership and oversight for compliance with all applicable Canadian and US standards, including:
Canadian Framework:
- CSA N285.0
- CSA N299-16
- ASME Section III — NCA-4134 (NPT Certificate Holder)
- ASME Section III — NCA-3300 (Material Organization)
- ASME Section VIII Division 1
- ASME B31.1 and B31.3
- CSA B51
- 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) — Annex III Module H
- ISO 9001
- IA9100 / AS9100 (in development)
US Nuclear Framework (active — required):
- NQA-1 — ASME Nuclear Quality Assurance Standard
- 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B — Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants
- 10 CFR Part 21 — Reporting of Defects and Noncompliance, including dedication requirements
- ASME Section III NPT Certificate compliance under US NRC oversight
- US NRC inspection, enforcement, and corrective action expectations
Audits and Certification Programs
- Lead internal quality audit programs under both CSA N299 and NQA-1 frameworks.
- Manage external certification, customer, supplier, and regulatory audits — including US nuclear customer audits.
- Interface with Authorized Nuclear Inspectors (ANI), Authorized Inspection Agencies (AIA), US NRC representatives, CNSC, RBQ, and customer quality representatives.
- Establish, qualify, and maintain auditor qualification programs.
Supplier Quality Management
- Establish and maintain supplier qualification programs meeting both Canadian and US nuclear customer requirements.
- Plan, schedule, and perform vendor qualification and triennial quality audits.
- Manage and maintain the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
- Oversee supplier corrective action programs (SCAR).
Corrective Action and Risk Management
- Lead corrective and preventive action programs (PCAR).
- Ensure effective root cause analysis and timely implementation of corrective actions.
- Manage 10 CFR Part 21 reportability evaluations and ensure timely reporting to the US NRC as required.
- Conduct annual strategic quality risk assessments and management reviews.
Personnel Training and Qualification
- Develop and deliver quality training programs covering both Canadian and US nuclear quality requirements.
- Maintain indoctrination and training records, including QC Inspector certifications.
- Ensure personnel involved in 10 CFR Part 21 activities understand reportability and dedication obligations.
- Maintain lead auditor annual qualification proficiency.
Leadership
- Provide mentorship and direction to Quality Assurance and Quality Control personnel.
- Work closely with Engineering, Production, Purchasing, ERP, and Executive Management to achieve quality objectives.
- Report directly to the President on the effectiveness of the Quality Management System.
Qualifications
Education
- Quality Systems Engineering (MEng) or Engineering degree in a relevant technical discipline.
- Certified Lead Auditor designation — required.
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing quality systems.
- Minimum 5 years in a senior quality leadership role in regulated industries.
- Hands-on experience with both Canadian (CSA N299 / CNSC) and US nuclear (NQA-1 / 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B) quality frameworks — required.
- Experience managing ASME NPT/MO Certificate programs under US NRC oversight — required.
- Experience with 10 CFR Part 21 reportability evaluations and dedication programs.
- Experience managing certification audits and regulatory inspections on both sides of the border.
- Experience developing and implementing quality systems and delivering training programs.
Technical Knowledge
Strong working knowledge of:
- CSA N299-16 and CSA N285.0
- ASME Section III (NPT and MO programs)
- ASME Section VIII Division 1 and ASME B31.1 / B31.3
- NQA-1 Nuclear Quality Assurance Standard
- 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B
- 10 CFR Part 21 — defect reporting and dedication requirements
- ISO 9001 and IA9100 / AS9100
- Welding qualification programs and material traceability
- Inspection and NDE programs
- Supplier qualification and corrective action systems
- Risk management methodologies
- Microsoft 365 Suite
Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Comfortable navigating multiple regulatory frameworks simultaneously.
- High level of integrity and professional judgment.
Language Requirements
- English required.
- French strongly preferred for Québec-based operations.
- Candidates with strong dual-jurisdiction nuclear experience will be considered regardless of French proficiency.
Why Join Thorburn Flex?
- Work at the intersection of Canadian and US nuclear regulatory frameworks — a rare and career-defining opportunity.
- Thorburn Flex holds active ASME certifications and serves real customers in the US nuclear market — this is not a startup initiative, it is an established and growing business.
- High level of autonomy and direct access to executive leadership.
- Hybrid / partial remote work arrangement.
- Opportunity to build and lead a world-class quality program supporting North American nuclear infrastructure.
Only candidates with demonstrated experience in regulated nuclear manufacturing environments — including US NRC-regulated programs — will be considered.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- VRSP
- Work from home
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- manufacturing quality systems: 10 years (required)
- senior quality leadership role in regulated industry: 5 years (required)
Language:
- English and French (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 1A9
