Avionics Software Assurance Lead (DO-178C)

Job Description Job Description Avionics Software Assurance Lead (DO-178C) A day in this role

It's 6:00 AM in Fort Worth, TX 76119, and you're settling in for a first-shift day on a 9/80 schedule. As the go-to quality voice on a high-visibility aviation program, you move from reviewing software release packages to sitting in on a hardware technical review. Before lunch, you're mentoring a scrum team on audit readiness. By afternoon, you're observing embedded software testing and preparing a concise SQA status update for project leadership. Every task ties back to one mission: deliver safe, reliable, and compliant airborne systems.

About the engagement

• Employer/Client: PDS Tech Commercial partnering with a leader in the aviation industry
• Role Type: Full-Time Consultant (12-month assignment)
• Location: Fort Worth, TX 76119
• Schedule: Monday-Friday First Shift 6:00 AM-3:30 PM 9/80
• Compensation: $60.00-$90.00 per hour

Impact you'll make

• Own end-to-end quality oversight for software and hardware on a mission-critical aviation program.
• Plan and execute process and product audits throughout the full development lifecycle.
• Review, monitor, and approve engineering work products, release packages, and supporting documentation.
• Participate in technical reviews and lead formal quality assessments.
• Develop and deliver clear SQA reports, findings, and status updates to stakeholders.
• Audit suppliers, oversee deliverables, and verify compliance to contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Witness and monitor verification activities to ensure quality, reliability, and program objectives are met.
• Partner with systems, software, test, and program leadership to drive quality outcomes.
• Coach engineering teams on process compliance, standards, and best practices.
• Enforce adherence to defined development processes, guidelines, and quality requirements.
• Advance continuous improvement initiatives and quality excellence.
• Rapidly master program-specific quality audit procedures and workflows.
• Operate independently while thriving in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

What you bring Required

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field.
• 7+ years in Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software Quality Assurance, or Quality Engineering.
• Extensive, hands-on experience with DO-178C and applicable supplements.
• Strong command of software and hardware development lifecycle processes.
• Demonstrated capability conducting process and product audits.
• Practical background supporting embedded aviation software development.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; able to communicate findings clearly in technical and formal reviews.
• Self-starter who works effectively with minimal supervision.

Preferred

• Experience with DO-254 hardware assurance.
• Knowledge of RTCA DO-330 Software Tool Qualification Considerations.
• Background with complex aerospace, aviation, military, or defense programs.
• Supplier quality oversight and compliance auditing experience.
• Deep familiarity with aviation regulatory requirements and quality frameworks.
• Experience mentoring teams on process compliance and quality standards.
• Success operating in highly regulated environments.

Why this assignment stands out

• Influence product quality from concept through certification and delivery.
• Hands-on exposure to cutting-edge embedded aerospace technologies and complex SW/HW environments.
• Work within a collaborative culture built on innovation, integrity, and technical excellence.
• Grow professionally through challenging, meaningful projects on a high-visibility aviation program.
• Competitive pay: $60.00-$90.00 per hour.

Core proficiencies

• Aerospace Software Development Lifecycle
• Configuration Management
• DO-178C Certification
• Embedded Systems
• Process & Product Auditing
• Regulatory Compliance
• Safety-Critical Systems
• Software Quality Assurance (SQA)
• Supplier Quality Management
• Root Cause & Corrective Actions

Tools and environments you'll touch

• Configuration Management Tools
• Defect Tracking Systems
• DO-178C
• DO-254
• DO-330
• Embedded Software
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Requirements Traceability
• RTCA Standards
• Verification & Validation Processes

Legal notice

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Ready to lead assurance on mission-critical systems?

Apply today to join PDS Tech Commercial as the Avionics Software Assurance Lead on a groundbreaking aviation program.