Software Safety & Mission Assurance Specialist

About the role

Kepler is expanding its optical data relay constellation and requires a specialist to oversee software safety and mission assurance. You will ensure our flight and ground software meets high reliability standards throughout the entire development lifecycle.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define and execute the strategy for software product assurance across all development phases.
• Analyze software requirements, architecture, and design to ensure mission compliance.
• Perform risk-based assessments regarding software safety, reliability, security, and maintainability.
• Conduct software hazard analyses, including STPA and FTA, to evaluate system risks.
• Audit development processes to verify adherence to quality management systems and industry standards.
• Oversee verification and validation strategies, including test coverage and anomaly management.
• Serve as an independent member of Software Change Control Boards to evaluate release readiness.
• Monitor supplier processes through technical reviews and audits.
• Support operational readiness and investigate anomalies affecting mission success.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in software development support within safety-critical sectors like aerospace, defense, automotive, or medical.
• Proven background in software development lifecycles and verification and validation protocols.
• Experience conducting software process audits and quality assurance activities.
• Familiarity with configuration management and change control procedures.
• Experience working within regulated engineering frameworks.

Nice to have

• Background in spacecraft, satellite, or launch vehicle programs.
• Knowledge of standards: ECSS-Q-ST-80, ECSS-E-ST-40, ECSS-Q-ST-20, NPR 7150.2, NASA-STD-8739.8, NASA-STD-8719.13.
• Experience with AS9100 or ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Proficiency in software hazard analysis, STPA, Fault Tree Analysis, criticality analysis, and FMEA.
• Experience with Agile development in safety-critical environments.
• Proficiency with tools: DOORS, Jama, Polarion, Jira, Confluence, Git, GitLab, Bitbucket, Azure DevOps, SonarQube, Coverity.

Practical notes

• Compensation includes a salary and an equity plan.
• Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Perks include unlimited vacation, parental leave, company-wide holiday shutdowns, and a 1,500 dollar annual professional development fund.
• Relocation packages are available for approved roles.
• Kepler is a certified Great Place to Work.
• For accommodation requests during the hiring process, contact accommodation@kepler.space.