Software Quality Engineer 3

Location: Denver • Relocation assistance available • Travel: 10%

About the role

As a Software Quality Engineer 3, you are a senior member of ULA’s Software Quality Assurance organization responsible for ensuring the integrity, reliability, and compliance of software used across ULA launch vehicles, ground systems, mission operations, and supporting infrastructure. This position provides technical leadership across programs, supports mission-critical software development efforts, and drives continuous improvement within ULA’s software assurance processes.

You will collaborate closely with Software Engineering, System Safety, Systems Engineering, Mission Operations, Suppliers, and Program teams to verify that software meets safety, reliability, and mission assurance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead software quality assurance activities for assigned programs covering the full software lifecycle—from requirements definition through verification, release, and mission readiness.
• Ensure program compliance with ULA software quality standards, engineering processes, mission assurance requirements, and applicable aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100, DO-178C, NASA, DoD).
• Review and approve software requirements, design artifacts, code inspection packages, test plans, test procedures, and verification results.
• Engage early in the lifecycle to identify quality risks and mitigation strategies for mission-critical software.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (RCCA/CAPA) for software-related issues, anomalies, and audit findings.
• Support readiness and exit reviews (e.g. TRR, BCR/SRA) and deliver SQA inputs for gate decisions.
• Participate in build reviews, configuration audits, and release readiness assessments for flight and ground software products.
• Support internal, customer, supplier, and regulatory audits by preparing artifacts and representing the SQA organization.
• Support internal SAFe Agile ceremonies and execution of Agile practices throughout the SDLC.
• Lead internal Process Evaluations to assess Software Engineering process execution as well as communication of observations/findings.
• Develop and improve ULA SQA procedures, templates, metrics, and review processes to strengthen mission assurance.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the professional development of the SQA organization.
• Maintain strong partnerships with software engineering, systems engineering, product teams, and Mission Success organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 4 years of related work experience in software quality assurance, software engineering, or systems engineering.
• Experience with coding languages Python, C/C++ as well as Git frameworks.
• Experience with Linux environments and use of CLI.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders in both engineering and program environments.
• Strong understanding of aerospace or safety-critical software lifecycles, including Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid development.
• Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as AS9100, DO-178C, CMMI, NASA-STD-8739.x, USSF SMC-S-012 and 021 or similar guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace, launch vehicles, space systems, or regulated high-reliability engineering environments.
• Experience working with software suppliers or performing supplier quality oversight.
• Experience with software testing, SDLC and CI/CD environment.
• Knowledge of mission assurance principles, flight software verification, ground system software, embedded systems, or real-time control systems.
• Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification.

Pay

Salary range: $94,862 – $158,103. Salaries are based on candidate experience, qualifications, internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits

• 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution.
• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible work environments.
• Most salaried employees work a "9/80 schedule," enjoying every other Friday off.

This position requires use of information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual).