Software Assurance Engineer Level III at NASA Wallops

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Join the NASA Wallops Flight Facility team and help ensure the integrity, reliability, and safety of the software that powers critical range systems for some of NASA’s most exciting missions. As a Software Assurance Engineer on the Wallops Range Contract, you will provide senior-level software quality assurance, configuration management, risk assessment, and process oversight for the ground data processing, telemetry, command & control, video, and network systems that enable sounding rockets, launch vehicles, UAS, balloons, and Artemis-related operations. Your work will directly support mission success for scientists and mission controllers by ensuring that the software controlling real-time range instrumentation meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance. If you are passionate about software excellence in aerospace and want to contribute to NASA’s exploration goals, this is an outstanding opportunity.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and maintain software assurance elements of the WRC Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and ensure compliance with government surveillance requirements.
• Establish and enforce software development, maintenance, and sustainment standards and processes (CMMI, AS9100 principles) for all software supporting Range systems.
• Conduct software process audits, code reviews, static/dynamic analysis, and traceability activities across the software lifecycle for telemetry, command, data processing, and video systems.
• Support the Range Configuration Control Board (RCCB) for software baselines, version control, change requests, and controlled transition of software into operations.
• Participate in the Risk Management Board (RMB); identify, analyze, and mitigate software-related risks; perform FMEA/FTA and hazard assessments for safety-critical software functions.
• Develop/review software test plans and acceptance criteria; support verification, integration, and acceptance testing; lead or contribute to post-mission software performance analysis and root cause investigations.
• Integrate software assurance with cybersecurity requirements (secure coding, vulnerability assessments, ATO maintenance) and verify Section 508 accessibility compliance.
• Mentor junior staff, lead process improvement initiatives, develop software assurance training, and provide oversight during new systems transition to operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field from an accredited institution. Master’s degree strongly preferred.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive experience in software assurance, software quality engineering, or software verification & validation for mission-critical or safety-related systems (aerospace, defense, or NASA/DoD range/ground systems experience highly desirable). At least five years in a lead or senior role directing the work of peers.
• Demonstrated expertise in software lifecycle processes, configuration management, risk assessment (FMEA/FTA), root cause analysis, and process improvement (CMMI or AS9100 principles).
• Experience with software assurance for real-time data systems, telemetry processing, command & control, or networked systems supporting operations centers is strongly preferred.
• Active U.S. Secret security clearance (or ability to obtain/maintain). U.S. citizenship required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to lead cross-functional teams and produce clear technical reports and process documentation.

LOCATION SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

On-site at Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA. Hybrid work schedule may be approved. Occasional deployments to remote range sites may be required.

SECURITY CLEARANCE:

Must have ability to obtain and maintain a minimum Secret security clearance. Active Secret clearance preferred.

EEOE Including Vets and Disability

Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident