Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and Geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that's been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we'll take you there.

Are you ready to launch the next stage of your career in the new space economy? We would love to hear from you

We're on the hunt for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer at our Manchester/Stevenage/Harwell office.

MDA's international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country. Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geointelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team provides support to our European-based customers while specializing in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space-based communication technology. As our presence grows overseas, so does our need for new ambitious team players to help us advance our place in the Universe and beyond.

Description
The Software Quality Assurance Engineer role covers:

• Manage Software Quality Assurance work packages throughout the project lifecycle and across multiple projects.
• Verifying that a Software System has been developed in accordance with standards of quality appropriate to criticality and stakeholder requirements.
• Ensuring that Software Engineers and Testers understand what quality standards they should be adhering to and that they are indeed adhering to these standards.
• Support the implementation of Software Product Assurance Plans
• Definition/Maintenance of Software-Design/Coding standards, guidelines for unit test implementation and code coverage levels
• Supporting, from a quality perspective, activities like Static code analysis, Unit testing, and code coverage, and the tools associated to those activities
• Reporting and monitoring of quality and process metrics
• Supporting in-house Quality Management System activities and initiatives including internal audits, lessons learned process, and continuous improvement.
• Establish, document and implement quality procedures, templates and checklists to ensure the robustness and quality of software and firmware products
• Promote a quality culture and best practices across throughout the organization.

Key Accountabilities And Responsibilities

• Product Impact & Scope of Innovation: This role is essential to the quality of MDA Software products. The SQE is expected to always be looking at new and different ways in which quality can be assured and achieved in a more efficient manner.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Although working as part of a team, the Software QA Engineer will necessarily have a separation from Software Engineers and Testers, such that they are not unduly influenced in ensuring correct levels of quality. It is important that they avoid confrontation with other engineers, and, ideally, promote a positive view of Software Quality.
• Problem Solving: The SQE will be expected to resolve technical issues involved in the automation of Quality checking and reporting. Should also be able to suggest techniques for complying with quality standards when Software Engineers have difficulty.
• Planning and Scheduling: As well as estimating effort for their own work, the SQE must be cognizant of the effects of Software Quality practices on the delivery of working software and advise accordingly.
• Communication skills: Good documentation and presentation skills are vital for sharing knowledge within the team and to others such as the validation team.
• Coach, Train & Mentor: Able to develop junior QA engineers and share knowledge with others
• Other Traits: Flexibility in understanding the need for change due to business re-focus Willingness to travel.

Key Interactions

• Program Management – Estimating effort for QA activities. Assessing impact of Software Quality measures on software engineering effort and productivity
• Product Assurance – Supporting the Software PA Manager to complete relevant tasks in compliance with the Software Product Assurance Plan
• Team – Should generally be comfortable with working as part of a team.
• Software Engineers, Test Engineers– Discussing, negotiating, explaining and promoting the various Software Quality Assurance measures to be employed.
• Customers – Presenting and negotiating Software Quality measure to be taken in MDA software systems.

Essential
Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in software development in spaceflight, aerospace, or automotive environments.
• Experience in application of code quality metrics
• Experience of software verification
• Experience of developing in C/C++
• Able to write standards and guideline documents
• Grasp of Unit testing techniques and the need for code coverage metrics
• Knowledge of Unit testing tools
• Familiarity with automated running and reporting of unit test suites
• Knowledge of code-quality analysis tools
• Knowledge of automated checking and reporting of code quality metrics
• Experience of automated checking of coding standards
• Experience of source control tools
• Experience of presenting Software Quality approach to customers
• Experience of negotiating quality standards with customers
• Understanding of the implications of different criticality levels

Desirable

• Experience with ECSS and NASA Software Product Assurance standards, such as ECSS-Q-ST-80C and NASA-STD-8739.8
• Working knowledge of software DO standards (DO-178, DO-254).
• Experience with tools such as GitLab, Jenkins, SonarQube, Astyle, or Clang-Format
• Specific knowledge of astyle or clang-format
• Experience of defining Software QA plans
• Experience of Developing in Python

Personal Profile

• Proven track record in ensuring that software systems comply with required level of quality.
• Displays a proactive willingness to volunteer for work elements / projects outside job scope where the individual can contribute, aligned with company priority
• Highly motivated self-starter and enthusiastic, with a positive attitude
• Customer satisfaction focused
• Adaptability and flexibility in an agile environment
• Proficient in collaborative working methods both physically and with remote teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with customers, management, and peers.

We're a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you're excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we'll take you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA's leadership in this next golden age.

Comments/Special Considerations
We are required to conduct a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening in which we will check your:

• Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status
• Identity: Full ID check
• Criminal records: Basic Disclosure
• Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity
• Reference checks

Benefits Statement
MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan; and an employee assistance program. We also have a Hybrid work model in place, for a better work/life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement
MDA is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Accommodations

MDA Ltd. is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.