Quality Engineer

This role is posted on behalf of Heron Airbridge, a startup supported by SGInnovate.BackgroundHeron AirBridge is building the digital infrastructure for the sky. Our mission is to enable autonomous drones to fly safely, at scale, and with purpose — supporting emergency response, maritime logistics, national security, and more. As Asia-Pacific’s first independent UTM platform provider, we combine software, hardware, and AI to power the next generation of airspace operations. Backed by industry leaders and governments, and with real deployments underway, we’re shaping the future of autonomous systems — and we’re just getting started.Job scopeSummaryThe Project Quality Engineer for UAS Traffic Management (UTM) is responsible for defining, implementing, and enforcing the Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) processes across the project lifecycle, ensuring that the UTM system—including its software architecture, communication protocols (APIs), and data integrity—meets stringent safety, performance, and regulatory requirements set by aviation authorities (e.g., CAAS, FAA, EASA).Key Responsibilities1. Quality Management System (QMS) & PlanningDevelop Project Quality Plan: Create and maintain the project-specific Quality Plan in alignment with the company's QMS and relevant aviation/software development standards (e.g., ISO 9001, DO-178C for software considerations).Define Quality Gates: Establish and enforce quality gate reviews for all critical project phases, including requirements definition, system design, software development, integration, and final deployment.Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all UTM services (e.g., flight authorization, geofencing, tracking, deconfliction) and their underlying systems comply with national and international UAS/UTM regulations, standards, and guidance materials. 2. Software & System Quality Assurance (SQA)Requirements Traceability: Ensure all functional and non-functional requirements (especially those related to safety and security) are fully traceable to test cases and design specifications.Test Strategy & Oversight: Develop, review, and approve comprehensive test plans, including unit, integration, system, security, and acceptance testing for all UTM software and hardware components.Automated Testing: Drive the adoption and continuous improvement of automated testing frameworks and tools to validate system performance, robustness, and scalability under high-volume traffic scenarios.Code & Design Review: Participate in formal design reviews and code inspections to identify and mitigate quality risks early in the software development lifecycle. 3. Quality Control (QC) & AuditingNon-Conformance Management (NCM): Lead the identification, documentation, and resolution of defects, non-conformities, and safety-related incidents using established Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) processes.Data Integrity: Define QC procedures for all data exchanged within the federated UTM ecosystem (e.g., airspace constraints, UAS flight intent, surveillance data) to ensure its accuracy, timeliness, and reliability.Audit Management: Plan and conduct internal quality audits (e.g., process, product, and system audits) and serve as the primary quality liaison during external client or regulatory audits. 4. Collaboration and ReportingCross-Functional Teamwork: Work closely with software developers, systems architects, cybersecurity specialists, air traffic management experts, and operations teams to embed a "Quality-by-Design" culture.Performance Metrics: Establish and report on key quality metrics (KPIs) such as defect density, test coverage, system availability, and NCM resolution cycle time to project stakeholders and management.Documentation Control: Oversee the creation and maintenance of the Quality Dossier, including all design documents, test reports, verification and validation records, and final system certification evidence.Required Qualifications and SkillsQualificationsEducation: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in Quality Assurance/Control, preferably on projects involving Air Traffic Management (ATM), aerospace systems, or mission-critical software/IT infrastructure.Certification (Preferred): Professional certification such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE). Technical SkillsAviation Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of aviation safety principles, air traffic control concepts, and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS).Quality Standards: Expert knowledge of ISO 9001 and experience with software quality models (e.g., CMMI) or specific aviation standards (e.g., DO-200B, ED-153).Software QA: Proficiency with SQA methodologies, automated testing tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit), and defect tracking systems (e.g., Jira).Technical Writing: Superior ability to produce clear, concise, and defensible technical and quality documentation. Desired AttributesExceptional analytical and systemic thinking to evaluate the safety impacts of complex, decentralized, service-based architectures.Proactive and rigorous problem-solver with an unwavering commitment to safety and quality in a highly regulated domain.Excellent collaboration and communication skills to influence quality practices across multidisciplinary teams.Interested applicants may apply directly via DTC at: https://central.sginnovate.com/hub/marketplace/openings/f1c5a07a-174b-4345-9622-76315e7b6396