DO-178
DO-178 is a safety guideline that aerospace companies must follow when creating software for airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Think of it as a detailed checklist that ensures software running on aircraft is safe and reliable. Different versions exist (like DO-178B and DO-178C), but recruiters often see them referred to simply as DO-178. When candidates mention this on their resume, it means they understand how to create or test software that meets strict aviation safety requirements. It's similar to having a rigorous quality control process, but specifically for aircraft software.
Examples in Resumes
Developed flight control software following DO-178 Level A requirements
Led testing team ensuring compliance with DO-178B and DO-178C standards
Managed documentation and verification processes for DO-178 certified avionics software
Typical job title: "Aerospace Software Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Aerospace Software Engineers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you explain the different DO-178 software levels (A through E) and their significance?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain that Level A is the most critical (for systems where failure could crash the plane), while Level E is least critical. They should give examples of systems at different levels and explain how testing requirements differ.
Q: What's your experience with managing DO-178 certification processes?
Expected Answer: Should describe experience leading teams through certification, working with aviation authorities, managing documentation, and ensuring traceability of requirements through testing and verification.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What documentation is typically required for DO-178 compliance?
Expected Answer: Should mention key documents like software requirements, design documents, test cases, verification records, and problem reports. Should understand how these documents support the certification process.
Q: How do you ensure traceability in DO-178 software development?
Expected Answer: Should explain how requirements are tracked through design, code, and testing phases, and how to maintain clear links between these elements for certification purposes.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the basic purpose of DO-178?
Expected Answer: Should explain that DO-178 is a guideline for developing safe aircraft software, and understand that it requires thorough documentation and testing to ensure safety.
Q: What's the difference between DO-178B and DO-178C?
Expected Answer: Should know that DO-178C is the newer version, updated to include modern software development techniques and tools, while maintaining the same basic safety principles as DO-178B.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of DO-178 requirements
- Software testing and documentation
- Following established procedures
- Basic aviation software development
Mid (2-5 years)
- Detailed knowledge of DO-178 processes
- Requirements tracking and verification
- Test case development and execution
- Documentation management
Senior (5+ years)
- Leading DO-178 certification efforts
- Interaction with aviation authorities
- Process improvement and optimization
- Team management and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of aviation safety requirements
- Lack of experience with documentation and traceability
- No knowledge of software testing principles
- Unfamiliarity with regulatory compliance processes
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