Senior Systems Engineer – Avionics & Embedded Systems

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to design, integrate, and verify advanced aerospace systems with expertise in embedded SoC platforms.

You will work across systems, hardware, software, FPGA, and AEH teams to define requirements and validate performance onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA, with relocation assistance available and limited remote consideration. The role emphasizes V&V, DO-254/DO-178C compliance, and strong collaboration across disciplines to solve

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or STEM with 8+ years of experience, or a Master’s with 5+ years.
• Experience with embedded hardware, avionics, or processor-based systems.
• Proven ability to develop, manage, and validate system requirements.
• Working knowledge of ARP4754A/B, DO-254, and DO-178C.
• Experience in system integration, V&V, and troubleshooting.
• Strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams; U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, capture, and manage system requirements, designs, test cases, and verification plans.
• Support board- and device-level SoC and embedded avionics integration.
• Collaborate with multiple teams to integrate and validate embedded systems.
• Define and verify hardware- and software-allocated requirements.
• Perform V&V and troubleshooting in a lab environment.
• Support ARP4754B/DO-254/DO-178C-aligned development activities.
• Maintain documentation and traceability using Jama, Jira, and Git.
• Develop system use cases, concepts of operation, and technical solutions.
• Support automation and scripting to improve testing efficiency.
• Participate in technical reviews and communicate risks and recommendations.

Skills

Strong collaboration and communication

Scripting and test automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/CS/STEM

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Jama

Jira

Git

Job description

Immediately Hiring!

We'reseeking engineers who thrive on solving hard problems and turning bold ideas into real-world solutions. Ifyou'redriven to design, develop, and test technology that truly makes an impact,you'llfeel at home here.

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer with experience in embedded systems, System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms, and hardware/software integration to help design, integrate, and verify advanced aerospace systems.

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.

Location : onsite Cedar Rapids, IA. Relocation assistance is available. There is limited remote consideration for candidates exceeding requirements.

In this role, you'll work closely with systems, hardware, software, and Airborne Electronic Hardware (AEH) teams to define requirements, support system integration, troubleshoot technical challenges, and validate system performance. This is an excellent opportunity for engineers who enjoy solving complex technical problems while working across multiple engineering disciplines.

KeyResponsibilities:

• Develop, capture, and manage system requirements, designs, test cases, and verification plans.
• Support board-level and device-level systems engineering for System-on-Chip (SoC) and embedded avionics platforms.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, software, FPGA, and AEH teams to integrate and validate complex embedded systems.
• Define and verify hardware- and software-allocated requirements.
• Perform system integration, verification, validation (V&V), and troubleshooting in a laboratory environment.
• Support development activities aligned with ARP4754B, DO-254, and DO-178C.
• Maintain technical documentation, requirements traceability, and engineering artifacts using Jama, Jira, and Git.
• Develop system use cases, concepts of operation, and technical solutions.
• Support automation and scripting activities to improve engineering and test efficiency.
• Participate in technical reviews and communicate risks, issues, and recommendations across engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or another STEM-related field with 8+ years of experience, or a Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience with Systems Engineering for embedded hardware, avionics, or processor-based systems.
• Experience integrating hardware and software for complex embedded systems.
• Experience developing, managing, and validating system requirements.
• Working knowledge of ARP4754A/B, DO-254, and/or DO-178C.
• Experience with system integration, verification, validation (V&V), and troubleshooting.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Collins Aerospace programs or similar aerospace development environments.
• Experience with System-on-Chip (SoC) or other embedded computing platforms.
• Experience with avionics certification and product development lifecycles.
• Hands-on experience testing embedded hardware and software.
• Experience using Jama, Jira, and Git.
• Experience with scripting or test automation.
• Experience troubleshooting hardware, software, and systems integration issues.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

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.

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

$125,000-$150,000 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.