Platform Systems Engineer New Cedar Rapids, IA

Quest Defense; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match

Certification assistance

Professional development support

Flexible, friendly workplace

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions in Cedar Rapids, IA seeks a Platform Systems Engineer to lead integration, verification, and qualification of aerospace and defense systems. You’ll work across architecture, requirements, performance analysis, and testing to ensure hardware, software, and FPGA components operate together.

U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret clearance required; relocation available.

Qualifications

• Degree in systems, electrical, computer, aerospace or related discipline.
• 5+ years in systems engineering, integration or testing of complex electronics.
• Experience developing and verifying system-level requirements and architectures.
• Hands-on experience with integration, verification, validation and performance analysis.
• Ability to troubleshoot interactions among hardware, software, FPGA and platform components.
• Familiarity with FPGA builds, timing constraints, and place-and-route concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop, analyze, and decompose system-level requirements.
• Support platform architecture, interface definitions, and design decisions.
• Plan and execute system integration, verification, validation, and qualification testing.
• Evaluate system performance against requirements and resolve gaps.
• Integrate and port waveforms to next-generation hardware platforms.
• Collaborate with FPGA teams on builds, timing, and resource utilization.
• Develop test plans, procedures, and verification evidence.
• Troubleshoot complex interactions among hardware, software, FPGA, and waveform components.
• Work with cross-functional teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Create and maintain interface documentation and traceability.
• Participate in technical reviews, risk assessments, and problem-resolution activities.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements analysis

FPGA

Hardware/Software integration

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Xilinx tools

DOORS

Jama

SysML/Cameo/Rhapsody

Job description

Unlock the power of Safety and Mission Critical Engineering with QDSS. We are seeking exceptional individuals to join our elite team- where your expertise will make an impact that matters. Elevate your career in a company dedicated to excellence and the pursuit of safety and mission success.

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Platform Systems Engineer to support the integration, verification, and qualification of advanced aerospace and defense systems. You’ll work across system architecture, requirements, performance analysis, and testing to ensure complex hardware, software, and FPGA-based components operate together successfully.

This role offers the opportunity to support waveform integration and migration to next-generation hardware while working closely with FPGA teams to understand builds, resource constraints, timing, and place-and-route considerations. It’s an excellent fit for a systems engineer who enjoys hands-on integration, troubleshooting, and taking a platform from requirements through validated performance.

This position is based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Relocation assistance is available.

U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance are required. Active Secret clearance is preferred.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, analyze, decompose, and maintain system-level requirements.
• Support platform architecture, interface definitions, design decisions, and technical trade studies.
• Plan and execute system integration, verification, validation, and qualification testing.
• Evaluate system performance against requirements, analyze test results, and resolve performance gaps.
• Integrate and port waveforms to next-generation hardware platforms.
• Work with FPGA teams to understand builds, resource utilization, timing constraints, and place-and-route considerations.
• Develop test plans, procedures, cases, and system-level verification evidence.
• Troubleshoot complex interactions among hardware, software, FPGA, and waveform components.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, FPGA, test, and program teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Create and maintain interface documentation, specifications, test reports, and requirements traceability.
• Participate in technical reviews, risk assessments, and problem-resolution activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, system integration, or testing of complex electronic or embedded systems.
• Experience developing, analyzing, and verifying system-level requirements and architectures.
• Hands-on experience with system integration, verification and validation, qualification testing, and performance analysis.
• Ability to troubleshoot interactions among hardware, software, FPGA, and other platform components.
• Systems-level understanding of FPGA builds, resource utilization, timing constraints, and place-and-route concepts.
• Familiarity with Xilinx tools and the FPGA development lifecycle.
• Strong analytical, technical documentation, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to work onsite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret security clearance.
• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Previous systems engineering experience within aerospace or defense programs.
• Experience integrating or porting waveforms to FPGA-based hardware platforms.
• Hands-on experience with Xilinx development tools, including reviewing resource-utilization and timing reports.
• Experience with requirements-management tools such as DOORS or Jama.
• Familiarity with MBSE methodologies and tools such as SysML, Cameo, or Rhapsody.
• Knowledge of aerospace development standards such as ARP4754A, DO‑178C, or DO‑254.
• Experience with embedded communications, mission systems, or software‑defined radio platforms.
• Experience adopting and/or integrating emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day‑to‑day operations for continuous improvement.

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

$140,000 - $160,000 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.