Quality Engineer IV

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Candidate will provide Quality Assurance (QA) support activities across various programs and corporate functions. The position will support the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of quality processes in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 27001, CMMI-DEV, CMMC, customer requirements, and applicable contractual and regulatory requirements.

The candidate will work closely with Program Management, Engineering, Cybersecurity, IT, Contracts, and other functional organizations to ensure program and corporate processes are effectively implemented, monitored, measured, and continuously improved. The position will also support internal and external audits, CMMI appraisals, ISO certification audits, CMMC assessments, corrective actions, and process improvement initiatives.

• →Maintain, monitor, and ensure the highest quality in services, processes, products, and deliverables.
• →Provide quality assurance and quality control support to Program Management and program teams.
• →Provide quality assurance support for corporate processes and the Integrated Management System (IMS).
• →Support implementation and continual improvement of processes aligned with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System requirements.
• →Support implementation and continual improvement of processes aligned with ISO 27001:2022 Information Security Management System (ISMS) requirements.
• →Support implementation and institutionalization of CMMI-DEV processes and practices, including activities associated with Maturity Level 3.
• →Support program and organizational activities related to CMMC requirements, including process implementation, evidence collection, compliance verification, and readiness activities.
• →Perform process and compliance audits against applicable ISO 9001, ISO 27001, CMMI, CMMC, contractual, customer, corporate, and program-specific requirements.
• →Support preparation for and participation in external ISO certification audits, CMMI appraisals, CMMC assessments, customer audits, and other external assessments.
• →Interface with technical and non-technical peers, program partners, subcontractors, and customers to promote the successful development and release of products and services.
• →Develop and initiate quality standards for inspections, evaluations, and other quality-related activities.
• →Design and develop forms, metrics, plans, and reports for evaluating, assessing, and documenting program performance and quality standards.
• →Investigate root causes of internal failures, quality issues, and process deficiencies and develop and monitor corrective actions.
• →Perform Causal Analysis and Resolution (CAR) activities and support the development, implementation, and verification of corrective and preventive actions.
• →Analyze quality and process performance metrics and report results to Program Teams, management, and customers as required.
• →Work within a team to execute process audits against defined corporate and program-specific processes, procedures, standards, and work products.
• →Develop and review process audit compliance reports with Program Management, including recommendations for improvement and identification of deficiencies.
• →Support risk management, decision analysis, lessons learned, and continuous process improvement activities.
• →Develop and maintain QA guidelines, procedures, policies, templates, and other process assets.
• →Develop, execute, and maintain Quality Plans and other program quality documentation.
• →Ensure adherence to established quality guidelines, procedures, policies, and applicable management system requirements.
• →Identify and support resolution of QA-related incidents, findings, risks, and requirements and ensure identified noncompliance issues are appropriately addressed.
• →Support collection and review of objective evidence required for CMMI appraisals, ISO audits, CMMC assessments, and customer audits.
• →Participate in CMMI appraisal activities, including artifact preparation, evidence review, interviews, and appraisal team support, as qualified.
• →Support ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 internal audit programs, including audit planning, execution, reporting, corrective actions, and follow-up.
• →Support CMMC readiness activities, including review of applicable processes and evidence supporting security and compliance requirements.
• →Provide QA and QC related input for proposal development and customer requirements analysis.
• →Promote quality awareness, process adherence, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

• Bachelor's degree in Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Information Technology, or a relevant field. Quality, process improvement, or industry certifications are desired.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance, quality control, software/system development, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and operating quality management systems.

• Experience supporting external audits, assessments, or appraisals, preferably involving ISO 9001, ISO 27001, CMMI, CMMC, or government customers.
• CMMI Associate or Practitioner certification.
• CMMI appraisal team experience.
• Experience performing process audits and evaluating compliance against defined procedures, standards, and requirements.
• Experience performing root cause analysis and developing, implementing, and verifying corrective actions.
• Proven experience collaborating with multiple sites, programs, and functional organizations to drive common solutions and process improvements.
• Solid quantitative skill set and the ability to analyze and communicate findings using well-supported data.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and effectively communicate with technical and non-technical personnel.

• Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a SECRET to TOP SECRET security clearance. Security clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.