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.