Embedded Software Engineer - Real-Time Systems & Multicore

Quest Defense; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Certification assistance

Professional development

Flexible workplace

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a highly skilled Embedded Software Engineer to join our avionics-focused team in Endicott, NY. The role emphasizes deterministic real-time execution, multicore architectures, and DO-178C certification support.

You will work at the lowest levels of the software stack, developing in C, C++, and assembly, and collaborating with hardware and verification teams to ensure predictable, timing-critical performance across safety-critical environments. U.S.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or related engineering discipline with 4+ years of relevant Software Engineering experience in avionics or electronic controls embedded development in a safety or mission-critical environment (ie: aerospace, military).
• Expertise in low-level embedded software development in C, C++, and assembly.
• Experience with multicore synchronization, NXP S32 Processor family, cache behavior, interference channels, and deterministic execution strategies.
• Ability to perform WCET and DCCC evaluations.
• Familiarity with DO-178C certification practices, especially Level A verification environments and associated test infrastructures.
• Experience with avionics, safety-critical, or other deterministic real-time domains.
• Experience with FPGA/ASIC interfaces and timing-critical embedded communication protocols.
• Proficiency with ARM DS IDE, DSTREAM, and Python for tooling, automation, and analysis.
• Familiarity with the S32 processor family or similar ARM-based multicore platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain low-level embedded software using C, C++, and assembly, with a focus on processor-level control and deterministic execution.
• Design multicores synchronization strategies including cache management, interference mitigation, and timing-aware resource coordination.
• Perform complex analytical evaluations such as Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) assessments and DCCC (Deterministic Cache and Core Contention) analyses.
• Familiarity with DO-178C objectives, particularly within rigorous Level A verification environments and automated test frameworks.
• Integrate and validate interfaces with FPGA/ASIC components, ensuring reliable, timing-critical embedded communication.
• Apply proven experience in avionics, safety-critical, or deterministic real-time systems to guide architectural decisions and verification strategies.
• Use ARM DS IDE, DSTREAM, and Python-based automation tools for debugging, instrumentation, trace analysis, and workflow optimization.
• Participate in architecture discussions, design reviews, verification planning, and continuous improvement of real-time multicore development processes.

Skills

C

C++

Assembly

Multicore synchronization

WCET analysis

DCCC analysis

DO-178C

ARM DS IDE

DSTREAM

Python tooling

S32 Processor family

Education

Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or related engineering discipline

Tools

DSTREAM

Python

Job description

At Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, our engineers support complex, mission-critical programs where software performance, reliability, and precision matter.

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Software Engineer specializing in deterministic real‑time execution, multicore architecture, and certification‑driven development.

In this role, you will work at the lowest levels of the software stack, enabling predictable execution across complex multicore processors and supporting safety‑critical certification activities. You will collaborate closely with systems, hardware, and verification teams to ensure reliable, deterministic performance in avionics and other mission‑critical environments.

This position is preferred to be based in Endicott, NY, working in a hybrid/onsite capacity. Remote candidates will be considered provided they are available for an initial onboarding period in Endicott and can travel to the site on a quarterly basis thereafter. U.S. citizenship is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain low‑level embedded software using C, C++, and assembly, with a focus on processor‑level control and deterministic execution.
• Design, implement, and analyze multicore synchronization strategies including cache management, interference mitigation, and timing‑aware resource coordination.
• Perform complex analytical evaluations such as Worst‑Case Execution Time (WCET) assessments and DCCC (Deterministic Cache and Core Contention) analyses.
• Familiarity with DO‑178C objectives, particularly within rigorous Level A verification environments and automated test frameworks.
• Integrate and validate interfaces with FPGA/ASIC components, ensuring reliable, timing‑critical embedded communication.
• Apply proven experience in avionics, safety‑critical, or deterministic real‑time systems to guide architectural decisions and verification strategies.
• Use ARM DS IDE, DSTREAM, and Python‑based automation tools for debugging, instrumentation, trace analysis, and workflow optimization.
• Participate in architecture discussions, design reviews, verification planning, and continuous improvement of real‑time multicore development processes.

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or a related engineering discipline with 4+ years of relevant Software Engineering experience in avionics or electronic controls embedded development in a safety or mission‑critical environment (ie: aerospace, military).
• Demonstrated expertise in low‑level embedded software development in C, C++, and assembly.
• Hands‑on experience with multicore synchronization, NXP S32 Processor family, cache behavior, interference channels, and deterministic execution strategies.
• Ability to perform sophisticated analysis, including WCET and DCCC evaluations.
• Familiarity with DO‑178C certification practices, especially Level A verification environments and associated test infrastructures.
• Proven experience in avionics, safety‑critical, or other deterministic real‑time domains.
• Experience with FPGA/ASIC interfaces and timing‑critical embedded communication protocols.
• Proficiency with ARM DS IDE, DSTREAM, and Python for tooling, automation, and analysis.
• Familiarity with the S32 processor family or similar ARM-based multicore platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with multicore processor architectures in avionics, aerospace, defense, or other safety‑critical embedded systems.
• Hands‑on experience with deterministic execution analysis, timing closure, interference analysis, or resource contention mitigation.
• Experience developing or supporting automated test frameworks, Python‑based tooling, trace analysis, or debug instrumentation.
• Experience working closely with FPGA, ASIC, hardware, systems, or verification teams in an integrated engineering environment.
• Familiarity with low‑level processor features such as cache configuration, memory management, interrupts, boot code, device drivers, or board support packages.
• Experience participating in software architecture reviews, certification reviews, or technical customer discussions.
• Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day‑to‑day operations for continuous improvement.
• Active security clearance or the ability to obtain a clearance.

The QDSS Advantage:

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

What You’ll Find Here

• Work That Matters – Next‑generation, safety‑and mission‑critical projects where your contributions have real‑world impact.
• Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer‑matched 401(k), certification assistance, 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/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.