Government contracts require meticulous oversight to ensure that products, systems, and services meet stringent quality standards. A Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer) plays a critical role in implementing testing protocols, evaluating performance, and ensuring compliance with government regulations.
What does a Quality Assurance Engineer do on Government Contracts?
A Quality Assurance Engineer is responsible for developing and executing testing procedures to verify that government-funded projects meet all quality, safety, and compliance requirements. Their primary duties include:
- Testing and Validation: Conducting rigorous tests to ensure systems, software, or products function correctly and meet government standards.
- Process Optimization: Developing and refining quality assurance processes to enhance efficiency and reliability.
- Compliance Assurance: Ensuring all deliverables adhere to government regulations, including ISO, NIST, CMMI, and other industry standards.
- Defect Identification and Resolution: Documenting and resolving defects through systematic analysis.
- Collaboration with Development Teams: Working with engineers, analysts, and stakeholders to improve overall project quality.
Quality Assurance Engineer Job Description
A Quality Assurance Engineer on a government contract ensures that all systems and deliverables meet strict quality control requirements. Their key responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing test plans, cases, and scripts.
- Identifying, tracking, and resolving defects in software, hardware, or manufacturing processes.
- Ensuring compliance with federal quality standards and industry best practices.
- Automating testing processes where applicable to increase efficiency.
- Preparing detailed reports and recommendations based on test results and quality audits.
Job Requirements for a Quality Assurance Engineer
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Strong understanding of quality assurance methodologies, tools, and best practices.
- Proficiency in automation testing tools (e.g., Selenium, JIRA, TestComplete).
- Knowledge of government compliance standards (ISO 9001, NIST, CMMI, DoD standards).
- Experience with software development life cycles (SDLC) and Agile methodologies.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Quality Management, or a related field.
- 3-7 years of experience in quality assurance or quality engineering.
- Certifications such as Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE), Six Sigma, or ISTQB are highly preferred.
WORKSPACE/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Office environment with potential remote or hybrid work.
- Some positions may require travel for inspections, audits, or government site visits.
What does a typical job posting look like for a Quality Assurance Engineer?
Job Posting Example:
“We are seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to support government contracts by ensuring products, software, and systems comply with all relevant quality standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in test automation, compliance auditing, and process improvement.”
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Develop and implement quality assurance protocols and procedures.
- Perform software and hardware testing to ensure compliance with government requirements.
- Identify, document, and resolve defects using automated and manual testing methods.
- Collaborate with developers and engineers to optimize processes and improve product quality.
- Maintain detailed reports on test results, defects, and corrective actions.
Salary Range
The salary for a Quality Assurance Engineer on government contracts typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and contract requirements.