Software Assurance SwA Engineer

COLSA Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

COLSA Corporation in Huntsville, AL is seeking an experienced Software Assurance (SwA) Engineer to help secure complex software across the SDLC. You will identify vulnerabilities, perform SAST/DAST/IAST testing, and support materiel release readiness.

The role requires 8+ years in software security, a bachelor's in a related field, and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance with potential TS clearance. Collaboration across teams and familiarity with CWEs/CVEs and security tools are highly

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 8 years of related experience.
• Experience integrating security practices throughout the SDLC.
• Experience supporting software assessments, authorization, or materiel release activities.
• Hands-on experience performing application security testing (SAST/DAST/IAST, fuzzing, pentesting).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance; TS clearance possible.

Responsibilities

• Conducts Application Security Testing (SAST, DAST, IAST, fuzzing, pentesting).
• Vulnerability analysis and remediation of security flaws (CWEs/CVEs).
• Develops and applies advanced methods to solve complex software security problems.
• Coordinates software engineering and support teams on SwA projects.
• Plans and directs major phases to ensure materiel release meets safety and security standards.
• Reviews technical products for effective remediations and security compliance.
• Evaluates SwA tools and vendor capabilities (Fortify, Coverity, Semgrep, etc.).
• Keeps up with industry research and threat landscapes.
• Provides technical leadership and guidance on secure coding practices.

Skills

Security testing

SDLC security

Vulnerability analysis

Team collaboration

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Fortify

Coverity

Semgrep

Cppcheck

Job description

COLSA Corporation is seeking an experienced Software Assurance (SwA) Engineer to join our team in Huntsville, Alabama. This role will support the security and integrity of complex software applications throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC), with a focus on identifying vulnerabilities, conducting application security testing, and supporting software assessment, authorization, and readiness for materiel release.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise in software assurance and application security, with the ability to analyze complex software systems, identify and assess security weaknesses, and develop effective solutions to mitigate risk.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential functions)

• Conducts Application Security Testing: Plans and executes investigations and tests of considerable complexity, including Static Application Security Testing (SAST), Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST), fuzzing, and penetration testing.*

• Vulnerability Analysis & Remediation: Analyzes source code and compiled binaries to identify security flaws, mapping findings to Common Weakness Enumerations (CWEs) and Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs).*

• Advanced Problem Solving: Develops and applies advanced methods, theories, and research techniques in the investigation and solution of complex and advanced software security problems.*

• Project Coordination: Coordinates efforts of software engineers, development teams, and technical support staff in the performance of assigned SwA projects, ensuring security is integrated throughout the SDLC.*

• Materiel Release Support: Plans, conducts, and technically directs major phases of significant SwA projects to ensure software meets the rigorous safety and security standards required for materiel release.*

• Technical Review: Reviews the completion and implementation of technical products, ensuring that vulnerability remediations are effective and compliant with current security practices.*

• Tool & Vendor Evaluation: May evaluate vendor capabilities and commercial/open-source SwA tools (e.g., Fortify, Coverity, Semgrep, Cppcheck, etc.) to provide required security testing products or services.

• Industry Research: Reviews literature, patents, and current practices relevant to the solution of assigned application security projects and threat landscapes.*

• Technical Leadership: May provide technical consultation to other organizations regarding secure coding practices and may provide work leadership to lower-level employees.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “Family of Professionals!” Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here: https://www.colsa.com/culture_benefits

Required Experience

• Bachelors’ degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 8 years of related experience
• Experience integrating security practices throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
• Experience supporting software assessments, authorization, or materiel release activities
• Hands‑on experience performing application security testing, such as SAST, DAST, IAST, fuzzing, and/or penetration testing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance prior to start; and willing and able to obtain a Top Secret clearance, if required by the customer
• US Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance
• Proficiency in technical documentation, reporting, and vulnerability tracking using standard desktop applications, spreadsheets, and database/issue-tracking programs.
• Working knowledge of modern operating systems (e.g., Linux, Windows) and programming languages common in defense and complex systems (e.g., C/C++, Java, Python, Ada, and Rust) to effectively analyze and secure diverse codebases.

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.