Sr. Software Quality Engineer, Aircraft SQA

Cessna Aircraft Company; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 work schedule

PTO 80 hours annually

Vacation 120 hours

Holidays 12–13 per year

Parental leave 6 weeks

On-site clinic and wellness services

Employee Resource Groups

Job summary

Bell is seeking a Sr Software Quality Engineer for the Aircraft SQA organization on site at Bell headquarters in Fort Worth, TX. You will oversee the software quality program across internal development and supplier work, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.

You will lead audits, develop SQAPs, and mentor junior engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams. A background in aerospace/defense software, DO-178 and related standards, and readiness for a DoD

Qualifications

• BS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years in software quality assurance and 3+ years in software development.
• 3+ years in aerospace & defense standards (RTCA DO-178, SAE ARP-4754, MIL-STD-498) and gov/FAA projects.
• Ability to obtain US DoD Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Execute and support requirements development, verification, audits, and software lifecycle activities.
• Produce and maintain SQA manuals and documentation; mentor junior engineers.
• Develop SQAPs with lifecycle models, entry/exit criteria, and configuration management.
• Coordinate with Software Configuration Management to verify builds and documentation control.
• Evaluate software engineering practices and artifacts to ensure compliance with specs and standards.
• Lead formal/in-process reviews to verify design, code, and test readiness.

Skills

Software QA

Aerospace Standards

Audit & Documentation

Technical Writing

Communication

Software Testing

DoD Clearance

Education

BS in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Serena Dimensions

LDRA

VectorCAST

Job description

Job Description - Sr. Software Quality Engineer, Aircraft SQA (344355)

Sr. Software Quality Engineer, Aircraft SQA (

Job Number: 344355

We’re more than aviation experts, we’re pioneers. We challenge what’s possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Today, Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. And we want you.

We are developing the future of Army Aviation with the Bell Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) part of the US Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) modernization effort. We are also developing the Bell 525 Relentless and Bell's High-Speed Vertical Take-Off and Landing (HSVTOL) program, a next generation aircraft.

This role is on site in Fort Worth TX Bell headquarters.

Software Quality Assurance Group, Aircraft Quality for Military and Commercial Aircraft

The Aircraft Software Quality Assurance (SQA) organization is responsible for planning, establishing, and maintaining an effective software quality program that will ensure compliance with company, contractual, and regulatory requirements of deliverable and non-deliverable software configuration items.

This team of software quality assurance engineers support internal software development and external supplier oversight. This position monitors every phase of the software development process to ensure compliance with process development and technical output, making sure that the aircraft delivered software adheres to the standards set by the development company and satisfies regulatory requirements.

What you’ll be doing as a Sr Software Quality Engineer, SQA:

• Execute and support requirements development, verification, audits, schematic and contract interpretation, software lifecycle and verification activities, and embedded software test equipment usage; demonstrate working knowledge of audit techniques and quality processes
• Produce and maintain SQA manuals, policies, and documentation while providing mentoring to junior engineers; proactively collaborate with diverse engineering teams and stakeholders, managing multiple quality assurance tasks with strong communication skills.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive Software Quality Assurance Plans (SQAPs), defining lifecycle models, entry/exit criteria, verification/validation activities, configuration management procedures, corrective action processes, and supplier identification.
• Coordinate closely with Software Configuration Management to evaluate program plans, verify software builds and loads, ensure documentation is under configuration control, and participate in software change control boards.
• Perform thorough evaluations of software engineering practices, documentation, qualification test artifacts, development files, and supplier-produced software to ensure compliance with specifications, standards, contractual requirements, and approved development plans.
• Participate in and conduct formal and in‑process reviews—including requirements, design, code, test readiness, verification, walkthroughs, and audits—to ensure performance/design compliance, proper coding practices, and fulfillment of software requirements
• Interface and collaborate with engineering counterparts, systems/software personnel, test organizations, SMEs, customers, and suppliers to resolve technical issues, assure process compliance, meet critical performance parameters, and support milestone activities—including travel when required.
• Maintain historical records, support team development, act as an advisor across organizational boundaries, learn and execute software process auditor responsibilities, and design business processes/procedures aligned with departmental goals.

Skills You Bring To This Role:

• BS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
• At least 5+ years’ work experience in software quality assurance with at least 3 years work experience in software engineering development
• At least 3 years of experience particularly within aerospace & defense guidance, standards and processes (RTCA DO‑178, SAE ARP‑4754, MIL‑STD‑498), government and FAA projects, embedded systems, device drivers, bootloaders, kernel development, and I/O‑based subsystems.
• Must have experience with process audit to all software lifecycle data.
• Ability to work with Serena Dimensions, LDRA, and VectorCAST.
• Utilize professional skills such as technical writing, presentations, and proficiency with Microsoft Office;
• Support program activities and supplier audits requiring up to 10% travel;
• Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret Clearance.
• Demonstrate curiosity, drive, and a passion for innovation.

Bell/Textron relocation assistance is not available for this role.

What we offer you in return:

• You’ll be off every other Friday with our 9/80 work schedule
• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)
• 120 hours Vacation time
• 12-13 paid holidays per year
• 6 weeks parental leave
• On-site clinic, pharmacy, physical therapy, and licensed counselor
• Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups
• And so much more

It’s time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let’s make history together.

We are on a journey to amplify innovation, cultivate purpose and bridge experiences by fostering a culture that is driven by unique perspectives, voices and values.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The ITAR/EAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee. Non-U.S. persons selected must meet eligibility requirements for access to export-restricted information.

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including US Citizenship, for access to classified information.