Job Information
Actalent Quality Assurance Engineer in Columbia, Maryland
Job Title: Quality Assurance Engineer
Job Description
The Quality Assurance Engineer provides independent quality oversight of hardware and software activities in support of NASA mission assurance requirements. This role focuses on quality witnessing and monitoring of antenna system installations, maintenance, and software changes performed at remote government sites, as well as through authorized off-site participation. The position emphasizes strict procedural compliance, accurate and complete documentation, and robust configuration management control for all mission-related activities in NASA and NOAA operational environments.
Responsibilities
Provide independent quality oversight of hardware and software activities to meet NASA mission assurance requirements.
Perform quality witnessing and monitoring of hardware installations, maintenance, and modifications for NOAA antenna systems at designated government facilities, including NSOF, WCDAS, and CBU.
Provide quality oversight for software installation, maintenance, and change activities, including remote participation when applicable.
Verify that all work follows approved procedures, drawings, work instructions, and mission assurance requirements.
Identify deviations from approved processes and ensure they are properly documented, resolved, and dispositioned.
Monitor configuration management and change control practices for hardware and software to maintain mission integrity.
Review technical documentation, work instructions, and maintenance or installation records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
Collaborate with technical teams to clarify requirements, address quality issues, and support corrective and preventive actions.
Maintain clear, organized, and traceable quality records to support audits and mission assurance reviews.
Participate in on-site and remote quality activities at government facilities as required to support mission operations and maintenance.
Essential Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 10 years of experience performing quality assurance, quality engineering, or mission assurance activities in aerospace, government, or regulated technical environments.
Strong understanding of hardware systems, including electrical, RF, mechanical, or integrated systems.
Experience with software lifecycle controls and software configuration and change control practices.
Proficiency in reviewing technical documentation, work instructions, and maintenance or installation records.
Demonstrated experience ensuring compliance with mission assurance requirements in complex technical environments.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to independently identify documentation or procedural gaps.
Ability to verify work against approved procedures, drawings, and work instructions.
Capability to work on-site at government facilities as required and participate remotely when authorized.
Effective communication skills to clearly document findings and collaborate with multidisciplinary technical teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working within NASA or NOAA operational environments.
Experience in mission assurance for satellite ground systems or similar complex systems.
Familiarity with configuration management tools and disciplined documentation practices.
Experience with software test and validation activities in regulated or mission-critical environments.
Ability to interpret and apply quality, engineering, and mission assurance standards to both hardware and software.
Proven ability to support multi-year, large-scale technical programs and modernization efforts.
Comfort working across multiple remote sites and coordinating quality activities with geographically distributed teams.
Work Environment
The role supports a large, multi-year program to modernize and operate the ground system for the GOES-R series weather satellites within a NASA and NOAA mission-focused environment. Work can be performed remotely, with periodic travel to Columbia, MD, Wallops, and other government sites as needed for maintenance and mission support activities. The environment involves close collaboration with engineering and operations teams working on complex hardware and software systems, including NOAA antenna systems at facilities such as NSOF, WCDAS, and CBU. Work hours generally align with standard business operations, with flexibility required to support scheduled maintenance or change activities. The position emphasizes a structured, process-driven culture with strong focus on mission assurance, configuration management, and rigorous documentation practices
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Columbia, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Columbia,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.