Software Quality Engineer 3

United Launch Alliance•Centennial, CO

3d•$94,862 - $158,103•Onsite

About The Position

At ULA, as a Software Quality Engineer 3 is 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. As a Software Quality Engineer 3, 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field from an accredited college or university
4+ years of 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

Nice To Haves

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

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.