Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Quest Defense; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401(k) with employer match

Certification assistance

Career advancement opportunities

Flexible, people-first environment

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions seeks Senior Embedded Software Engineers to build foundational software components for next‑generation avionics. This role focuses on reusable libraries, I/O frameworks, and certifiable architectures for ARINC‑653 partitioning.

Remote role with up to 10% travel to Cedar Rapids, IA; U.S. citizens required. 8+ years in embedded C++, DO-178 DAL A experience, and HLR/LLR expertise are highly valued.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in embedded software development and/or testing.
• Proven expertise in C++ and object-oriented design for embedded systems
• Background in developing certifiable software (DO-178 DAL A preferred)
• Proficiency in HLR/LLR generation, review, and traceability
• Strong initiative and drive with quick learning ability

Responsibilities

• Abstract and consolidate core functions into reusable libraries and frameworks
• Extract existing functionality from application code and refactor for shared use
• Design and implement an I/O framework supporting multiple protocols and data interfaces
• Define and maintain data dictionaries and I/O level specifications
• Collaborate with system architects to ensure ARINC-653 partitioning integrity
• Support certification activities through HLR/LLR documentation and DAL compliance
• Contribute to long‑term strategy for scalable, maintainable software infrastructure

Skills

Embedded software development

C++ & OO design

ARINC-653 partitioning

Certifiable software (DO-178 DAL A)

HLR/LLR generation

Tools

VxWorks RTOS

Atlassian Suite

Jama

Coverity

Rapita

Job description

Engineers are the reason we exist—they’re the core of who we are. We don’t just build technology; we engineer the future. From next-gen aerospace to cutting-edge defense systems, our teams power the solutions that drive innovation, tackle mission-critical challenges, and keep people safe. This is where problem-solvers and big thinkers thrive.

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking Senior Embedded Software Engineersto build the foundational software components that enable next-generation avionics systems.This team develops shared libraries, I/O frameworks, and partitioned services that power multiple avionics applications.

This role is ideal for a systems-minded engineer with deep low-level experience who can design robust, certifiable software architectures. This effort will be in support of multiple key programs, including the Next Gen Flight Management System (FMS) program.

Due to the nature of this role, all candidates must be U.S. citizens or U.S. persons.

This role is remote with the possibility of up to 10% travel to Cedar Rapids, IA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Abstract and consolidate core functions into reusable libraries and frameworks
• Extract existing functionality from application code and refactor for shared use
• Design and implement an I/O framework supporting multiple protocols and data interfaces
• Define and maintain data dictionaries and I/O level specifications
• Collaborate with system architects to ensure ARINC-653 partitioning integrity
• Support certification activities through HLR/LLR documentation and DAL compliance
• Contribute to long‑term strategy for scalable, maintainable software infrastructure

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in embedded software development and/or testing.
• Proven expertise in C++ and object-oriented design for embedded systems
• Working knowledge of I/O architecture, protocol handling, and data management
• Background in developing certifiable software (DO-178 DAL A preferred)
• Proficiency in HLR/LLR generation, review, and traceability
• Quick learner with strong initiative and drive

Desired Skills:

• Strong experience with ARINC-653 partitioning and low-level application design
• Hands‑on experience with VxWorks RTOS
• Familiarity with toolchains and CI/CD environments supporting configuration management and verification (Atlassian Suite, Jama, Coverity, Rapita, etc)
• Designed and implemented non-volatile data storage systems (e.g., EEPROM, flash, or NVRAM) for configuration or state retention
• Experience with persistent and transient log storage, including rollover and data retention policies
• Familiarity with log transport mechanisms (e.g., shared memory, I/O channels, or network-based telemetry)
• Experience developing or integrating ARINC 661 Cockpit Display Systems (CDS) and User Applications (UA)
• Familiarity with avionics data buses and communication protocols (e.g., ARINC-429, MIL-STD-1553, AFDX, CAN, SPI, UART, etc)
• Strategic systems thinker able to plan scalable, reusable frameworks
• Previous FMS Experience is a bonus but not required.
• Experience in the adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate:

Technically strong software engineer who can balance deep systems knowledge with strategic foresight. One who understands how to design reusable building blocks for complex, safety‑critical systems—and thrives in a fast-moving environment where architecture, certification, and execution come together.

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 - $155,000 USD

At Quest Defense Systems & 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 aUnited States military operation for which an Armed forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.