Embedded Software Engineer – Flight Management System (FMS)

Quest Defense; Cedar Rapids (IA); Remote; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and test Flight Management System software for military helicopters and aircraft. This role blends C/C++, Ada, and Python with rigorous software lifecycle processes to deliver reliable avionics software in close collaboration with systems and software engineering teams.

Location is remote, with up to 10% travel domestically or internationally.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience with C, C++, DOORS, ADA, and/or Python.
• Typically requires a degree in STEM and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree with at least 3 years.
• Advanced degree holders may have shorter practical experience requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test software features for flight management systems in military helicopters and planes.
• Master knowledge of software engineering and Flight Management Systems.
• Integrate soft skills into a dynamic environment delivering quality and timely products.
• Travel (domestic and international) <10% as needed.

Skills

C/C++

Ada

Python

Software engineering

Education

STEM degree

Tools

DOORS

FMS software

Job description

Embedded Software Engineer – Flight Management System (FMS)

Remote

We’re looking for engineers who believe innovation can turn the impossible into reality and are driven to design, develop, and test solutions that make a real impact. Join a diverse team tackling cutting-edge challenges, where what you build today helps shape a brighter future for tomorrow.

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is actively hiringEmbedded Software Engineer to develop, integrate, and test Flight Management System (FMS) software for military helicopters and aircraft. This role combines C/C++, Ada, Python, and software lifecycle development to deliver reliable avionics software in collaboration with systems and software engineering teams.

Location: Remote

Citizenship: Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Clearance: Preference to have the ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance if needed

In this Role, you will:

• Work within a team of Systems and Software engineers to design, develop, and test software features for flight managementsystems that are integrated into military helicopters and planes
• Masteryourknowledge of SoftwareEngineeringandFlight Management Systems
• Integratesoftskills (leadership, communication, coordination, proactiveness) into adynamicenvironment that provides quality andtimelyproducts to internal and external customers.
• Travel (domestic and international <10%)as needed.

QualificationsYou Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience.
• 4+ years of experience with C, C++, DOORS, ADA, and/or Python.
• 4+ years of experience in a Software role.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Industry Experience of Software Lifecycle Development (Design, Requirements, Integration, Test)
• Pilot/Avionics Experience (i.e.Private Pilot,AircraftMaintenance, DO-178 Certification)
• Ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance if needed after day 1

The QDSS Advantage:

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact.You’llgrow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

WhatYou’llFind Here

• Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
• GrowthThat’sSupported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certificationassistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
• A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Benefits Include

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/lifeand disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$110,000 - $145,000 USD

At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting‑edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission‑critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem‑solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high‑quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.

Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.