Rafael Salort

Senior Principal Software Quality Engineer and Mission Assurance professional with 15+ years of experience supporting mission-critical Air Force and DoD systems. Expertise includes software quality assurance, verification and validation, integration and test, requirements traceability, process compliance, release readiness, software qualification, and Agile delivery. Experienced in developing and applying software quality standards, evaluating processes and technical documentation against contractual and program requirements, and driving continuous improvement across complex engineering environments. Known for working effectively across engineering, development, test, operations, and program teams to support reliable, compliant, and mission-ready software solutions.

Retired U.S. Air Force Major, prior enlisted, with 27 years of combined Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve service, bringing extensive experience in operational leadership, aviation, safety, planning, readiness, and mission execution. Served as a C-130E/H Tactical Airlift Navigator and a WC-130J Weather Reconnaissance Navigator (Hurricane Hunters) with 2,600+ flight hours, 100+ hurricane penetrations, and 33 combat sorties, including a deployment to Afghanistan as an Air Advisor. My final assignment was as Assistant Chief of Current Operations for the 403d Wing, supporting large-scale, complex flying operations, resource coordination, operational planning, and mission readiness.