Senior Embedded Software Engineer Quest Defense · $120k – $140k 2h ago

Remote Genie; Wilmington, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Certification assistance

Professional development support

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions seeks a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain C-based control software for critical power and automation systems in nuclear plants. The role collaborates with hardware design and plant operations to ensure safety and reliability.

The position requires strong problem-solving skills, experience in safety-critical environments, and the ability to mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field and 10+ years in embedded software.
• Experience in safety-critical development environments (DO-178, ISO 26262) is required.
• Strong proficiency in C and embedded software tools; ability to perform code reviews and testing.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain C-based control software for safety-critical power/automation systems.
• Perform module and integration testing, code reviews, and risk discussions with customers.
• Engage with hardware teams and support testing using HIL simulations and end-to-end tests.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to junior staff and deliver high-quality software on schedule.

Skills

Embedded software development

C programming

Safety-critical experience

Code reviews

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering

Tools

GitLab

Jira

LDRA

Arm Development Studio

Visual Studio

GDB

Job description

Remote Senior Software Development 4d ago $120k – $140k

About this role

We don’t just build technology—we engineer the future. From next-gen aerospace to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission‑critical challenges that keep people safe and push the limits of innovation. This is where problem‑solvers, innovators, and big thinkers thrive.

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Senior Embedded Software Engineer r esponsible for the design, development, and maintenance of C-based control software for critical power and automation systems. The candidate will design and implement electronic hardware and software for Nuclear Power Plants Instrumentation & Controls systems. The software team works closely with electronic hardware design and plant system operations. The position requires strong technical problem-solving skills, advanced software expertise, and effective collaboration with other customer teams.

Periodic onsite presence may be required in Wilmington, NC. The role may require the candidate to be onsite up to one week per month (and occasionally two consecutive weeks) to perform software testing and collaborate with the local engineering team in the lab.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare design specifications, develop embedded software, perform module testing, and conduct integration testing of designs.
• Perform code reviews and verifications of Design Specifications and Reports.
• Engage customers to define scope, review results, and discuss technical risks.
• Perform integration testing of software solutions using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation and full end-to-end operational testing.
• Work with the technical leader to establish effective work plans, including time estimates, schedule estimates, requirements, and work processes.
• Apply engineering fundamentals and first-order engineering principles to establish and/or confirm expected performance.
• Provide clear and complete analysis documentation in accordance with customer engineering procedures.
• Manage time effectively to deliver quality work within expected project timelines.
• Communicate work status clearly and effectively to leadership.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to junior staff.
• Deliver high-quality engineering software as the primary output of the role.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in embedded software development, including the C programming language and software development tools (GitLab, Jira, LDRA, Arm Development Studio, Visual Studio, GDB, etc.).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with coding conventions, code review, unit testing, and integration testing of embedded software.
• Experience with software development in a safety-critical environment (DO-178, ISO 26262).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Intermediate knowledge of standard programming languages (e.g., Python)
• Ability to solve technical challenges by applying common design patterns and selecting appropriate patterns for problem-solving.
• Effective use of data structures and algorithms.
• Experience understanding and applying coding standards that deliver desired functionality using project-selected technologies.
• Knowledge of common development paradigms (Agile, Waterfall).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate technical topics clearly.
• Proactively learns new tools, identifies opportunities for improvement, and promotes their adoption.
• 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

$120,000—$140,000 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.