Job Summary

Company: National Renewable Energy Laboratory Location: Golden, CO 80401 Industries: Renewable Energy Job Type: Full Time Employee Years of Experience: 7+ Education Level: Master's Degree

Sr QA Specialist I - SQAAbout the Job

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located in beautiful Golden, Colorado, is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an energy future for the nation that is environmentally and economically sustainable.


Sr QA Specialist I - SQARequisition #1442BR Job/Research Summary                                    

The primary purpose of the Software Quality Assurance (SQA) role is to define, document, implement, and manage NREL’s SQA Program to support a dynamic and evolving range of research and business application systems running on diverse platforms. The SQA Program consists of the systems, processes, and tools needed to effectively implement SQA at all levels including organizations, projects, and initiatives. This is a senior level position that works directly with Product Line Managers, Project Managers, Line Managers, and others to determine the applicability and deploy SQA Program requirements. The SQA Program includes all activities associated with software development (e.g., requirements management, planning, design, configuration management, testing, documenting, continuous improvement, SQA assessments, etc.). The program will be based on existing industry consensus standards such as the CMMI for Development and ISO 9001. 

Job Duties                                                     

 • Develop, implement, and manage a systematic approach to SQA including the development of applicable policies, procedures, standards, and best business practices that meet the requirements of NREL, federal, state, and international consensus standards for in-house developed and COTS software.
• Maintain an inventory and conduct risk assessments for in-house developed software applications with an emphasis on safety control systems.
• Serve as technical resource and subject matter expert for software system developers on SQA functions. Train software development staff in the use and application of applicable SQA methods and tools. Consult with individuals to establish effective SQA approaches for individual projects. Support customers by helping to define and participate in acceptance testing of systems prior to implementation. Serve as the Lab’s resource for defining, identifying, and interpreting applicable requirements and best practices to be incorporated into software development activities.
• Oversee software vendors/contractors to evaluate and monitor their SQA programs and ensure that NREL requirements are met.
• Periodically monitor software products and active software development projects to verify compliance with laboratory policies, procedures, and standards to facilitate early detection of problems that could affect the reliability, maintainability, availability, integrity, safety, security, and/or usability of software products.
• Assist software developers in evaluating the quality of their outputs and the risks to their projects. 

Required Education and Experience                      

Relevant Master's Degree and 7 years experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. 

Additional Basic Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities   

BS/BA degree required in computer science, information sciences, or related field or equivalent relevant experience. Minimum of 10 years relevant experience including at least 5 years of recent experience implementing SQA in diverse development environments. Knowledge of and experience in software engineering is required (e.g., software requirements development/management, software design and architecture, software coding standards, software testing, automated software test frameworks, fault-tree analysis, software bug tracking, software configuration management). Must have in-depth knowledge of software development methodologies such as RAD, Scrum, Team SW Process, Extreme Programming, RUP, Agile, etc. Experience in SQA program or project management, policy and procedure development, and performing SQA assessments. Must have experience in implementing SQA standards such as the CMMI-DEV. Ability to drive improvements across organizations and systems is required. Excellent consultative, interpersonal, facilitation and communicative skills are required and essential to successful job performance. Incumbent will work in an environment requiring initiative, independent judgment, and decision making. The ability to cope with ambiguity and use facilitation, team building, and coaching skills is also required. 

Preferred Qualifications                                    

Relevant advanced degree and/or a certification in quality management (e.g., CSQE), software engineering, or a related field. Experience applying software engineering and control principles in a research environment. Experience in leading SCAMPI type appraisals. Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality standard and its application to software. 

EEO Policy

NREL's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Pre-employment drug testing required. 

Submit Your Resume

Please click the following link to apply online: www.nrel.gov/employment NREL is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and a drug-free workplace. Please include a cover letter specific to each position you are applying to indicating how you match the requirements of the posting.