
Principal Software Design Quality Engineer
- Maple Grove, MN
- $99,100 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Serve as the primary software design quality lead for complex and strategic product development initiatives, from concept through commercialization.
- Drive and oversee implementation of risk management processes (ISO 14971), including hazard analysis, software FMEAs, and security risk analysis, ensuring integration into the development process.
- Lead development and execution of comprehensive software V&V strategies to ensure robust, compliance, and efficient testing aligned with IEC 62304 and other applicable standards.
- Provide expert guidance on system and software design controls, leading design reviews, software bug triage, and field issue investigations with a focus on systemic corrective actions.
- Champion the use of data-driven decision-making and advanced problem-solving methodologies to resolve quality issues and mitigate risks.
- Act as a regulatory and standards subject matter expert, contributing to regulatory strategy, authoring and reviewing technical documentation for submissions, and representing software quality in audits and inspections.
- Develop and maintain software risk management tools (Hazard Analysis, FMEAs) with traceability to requirements, design, and test artifacts.
- Mentor and coach junior and senior engineers in software quality principles, risk management, and design controls.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to ensure compliance with evolving security requirements and integrate security risk management into the product lifecycle.
- Partner with product development, systems engineering, and regulatory affairs to implement best practices and process improvements that enhance product safety and compliance.
- Foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement across cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrate a primary commitment to patient safety and product quality by maintaining compliance to the Quality Policy and all other documented quality processes and procedures.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline and 9+ years of experience in design quality, software quality, or related medical device/regulated industry roles, with a focus on software-intensive products.
- Master's degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline and 7+ years of experience in design quality, software quality, or related medical device/regulated industry roles, with a focus on software-intensive products.
- Proven expertise in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), risk management, and software verification and validation.
- Extensive experience with software quality tools, issue tracking (e.g., JIRA), and requirements/test management platforms.
- In-depth understanding of software configuration management, version control systems, and related quality controls.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence without direct authority, and make strategic quality decisions.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to leadership and external regulatory bodies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a record of resolving complex quality issues.
- Comprehensive knowledge of FDA Quality System Regulation (QSR), ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEC 62304, IEC 82304, and related software standards.
- Experience with global regulatory submissions and interacting with notified bodies or FDA.
- Background in embedded software, systems engineering, or integration of hardware and software systems.
- Experience in code review practices and secure coding principles.
- Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, or related field.