Senior Software Quality Engineer - Mission-Critical Systems

United Launch Alliance (ULA); Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Discretionary annual incentive bonus

Generous paid time off

Flexible work environments

9/80 schedule

Job summary

United Launch Alliance (ULA) in Denver seeks a Software Quality Engineer 3 to lead software quality assurance across launch vehicles and ground systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and mission assurance.

This senior role partners with software engineering, systems engineering, and mission success teams; requires 4+ years in SQA/SE, a STEM degree, and hands-on experience with Python/C/C++, Linux, and industry standards.

Qualifications

• 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

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.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Git

Linux CLI

Communication

Aerospace standards

Root-cause analysis

Problem solving

Software lifecycles

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

Git frameworks

Job description

United Launch Alliance (ULA) in Denver seeks a Software Quality Engineer 3 to lead software quality assurance across launch vehicles and ground systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and mission assurance.

This senior role partners with software engineering, systems engineering, and mission success teams; requires 4+ years in SQA/SE, a STEM degree, and hands-on experience with Python/C/C++, Linux, and industry standards.