Secure Embedded Software Engineer New Cedar Rapids, IA

Quest Defense; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Certification assistance

Professional development

Flexible workplace

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions in Cedar Rapids, IA, seeks a Secure Embedded Software Engineer with Rust expertise to develop low-level software for aerospace and defense systems, including BSPs, drivers, and FPGA-based platforms.

This role offers early program involvement, collaboration across systems, hardware, FPGA, and cybersecurity teams, and onsite work with relocation assistance. U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• At least five years of embedded software development experience.
• Experience developing BSPs, device drivers, or hardware-interface software.
• Strong understanding of embedded systems, memory management, concurrency, and real-time concepts.
• Experience with software requirements, architecture, unit testing, integration testing, debugging, and code reviews.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain secure embedded software using Rust.
• Develop low-level BSPs, device drivers, and hardware interface software.
• Integrate software with FPGAs, SoCs, processors, and embedded hardware.
• Participate in requirements, architecture, interface definition, and trade studies.
• Apply secure software design practices throughout the lifecycle.
• Develop and execute unit, integration, and system-level tests.
• Support board bring-up, hardware/software integration, debugging, and performance optimization.
• Troubleshoot issues across software, hardware, FPGA, and system boundaries.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, FPGA, cybersecurity, and test engineering teams.
• Create design documentation, test evidence, and other artifacts.

Skills

Rust

Embedded systems

BSPs

Device drivers

Hardware interfaces

Real-time software

Memory management

Concurrency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/CE/EE

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Git

CI/CD pipelines

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 Secure Embedded Software Engineer with hands-on Rust experience to develop low-level software for advanced aerospace and defense systems. You’ll design, implement, test, and integrate secure embedded software supporting board support packages, hardware interfaces, and FPGA-based platforms.

This is an opportunity to join upcoming programs at an early stage, influence the software architecture, and work closely with systems, hardware, and FPGA engineers. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys memory-safe systems programming, hardware-near development, and solving complex challenges within secure, mission-critical environments.

This position is onsite 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

• Design, develop, and maintain secure embedded software using Rust.
• Develop low-level board support packages, device drivers, and hardware interface software.
• Integrate software with FPGAs, SoCs, processors, and other embedded hardware components.
• Participate in software requirements, architecture, interface definition, and technical trade studies.
• Apply secure software design and coding practices throughout the development lifecycle.
• Develop and execute unit, integration, and system-level tests.
• Support board bring-up, hardware/software integration, debugging, and performance optimization.
• Troubleshoot complex issues across software, hardware, FPGA, and system boundaries.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, FPGA, cybersecurity, and test engineering teams.
• Conduct code reviews and produce design documentation, test evidence, and other technical artifacts.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least five years of embedded software development experience.
• Experience developing board support packages, device drivers, hardware abstraction layers, or other hardware-interface software.
• Strong understanding of embedded systems, memory management, concurrency, and real-time software concepts.
• Experience integrating software with processors, SoCs, FPGAs, or other embedded hardware.
• Experience with software requirements, architecture, unit testing, integration testing, debugging, and code reviews.
• Understanding of secure software design and coding practices.
• Experience using version control and modern software-development tools.
• 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 Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Production experience using Rust for embedded, bare-metal, or other resource-constrained systems.
• Experience with C or C++ and integrating Rust with existing low-level software.
• Experience developing BSPs or device drivers for an RTOS or embedded Linux environment.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based platforms and SoC hardware/software integration.
• Previous experience developing software for aerospace, defense, or other high-assurance systems.
• Knowledge of DO-178C or similar safety-critical software development processes.
• Experience with static analysis, automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, or secure development tools.
• 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

$130,000 - $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.