Software Assurance Engineer IV

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

22h•$135,096 - $178,880

About The Position

The Software Assurance Engineer will join JPL’s Software and System Assurance, Technology and Research 1122 Group to help ensure that software and systems work reliably for NASA missions. The role provides software quality assurance for mission-critical software, evaluates approaches and solutions to project-wide problems, and helps determine appropriate resolutions. The position is part of a team-based, improvement-oriented group that values employee input on strategic and tactical planning and on developing effective processes, tools, and innovations. The engineer plans software assurance activities suited to each project, reviews software development throughout the project lifecycle, and collaborates with group supervisors and leads to improve the software infrastructure. The role also identifies tools and techniques to improve software quality, reliability, safety, risk analysis, and early detection of defects and vulnerabilities. Areas of exploration include model-based assurance, static code analysis, independent verification of systems, AI and LLM assurance, and software embedded in ASICs and FPGAs. The engineer also mentors and coaches others within and outside the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Cyber Defense, Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar technical discipline with typically at least 9 years of related experience; or a master’s degree in a similar discipline with 7 years of related experience; or a Ph.D. in a similar discipline with at least 5 years of related experience.
Related experience must include requirements analysis, design, coding, configuration management, integration, and testing.
Knowledge of the JPL Problem Reporting System and Problem Failure Reports.
Knowledge of NASA Software Assurance and Software Safety Standard 8739.8, NASA Software Engineering Requirements NPR 7150.2, JPL Software Development Requirements, JPL Safety and Mission Assurance Requirements, JPL Flight Project Practices, and JPL Design Principles.
Programming experience in C, C++, Java, and/or Python in a UNIX/Linux or real-time operating system environment such as VxWorks.
Experience with software engineering tools such as GitHub and JIRA.
Experience with JPL Flight Software Processes.
Experience with JPL Risk Management for JPL Projects, specifically M2020 and EUROPA.
Experience with JPL and NASA Quality Assurance Programs.
Ability to learn technical knowledge quickly and independently.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience assuring JPL project software.
Experience with software engineering tools such as integrated development environments (IDEs), compilers, and static analyzers.
Experience with modern systems and software development processes, such as those described in the Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI).
Ability to analyze modern systems and software requirements, architecture, and test procedures and results.

Responsibilities

Perform high-value software quality assurance engineering for mission-critical software development or acquisition.
Plan and cost software assurance activities appropriate to each project.
Review and assess software development throughout project lifecycles.
Work with the Software Quality Assurance Group Supervisor and Leads to improve project software infrastructure, including processes, systems, and tools.
Identify tools and techniques to improve software quality, reliability, and safety engineering, risk analysis, and early detection of defects and vulnerabilities.
Explore emerging areas of software assurance, including model-based assurance, static code analysis, independent system verification, AI and LLMs, and assurance of software embedded in ASICs and FPGAs.
Mentor and coach people within and outside the organization.