Sr. Software Engineer

About Us

Shape the future of innovation as we tackle cutting-edge projects that make a difference. We're not just in the business of engineering—we're building a brighter future. Driven by creativity and a culture of excellence, we believe in the power of engineering to solve today's challenges and create opportunities for tomorrow. What we do matters.

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is seeking a highly skilled Sr. Software Engineer to support development, integration, and sustainment of a multi-module Air Vehicle Computer (AVC) platform. The successful candidate will work across the I/O, core processing, networking, 2D/3D graphics, and video/merge subsystems, integrating FPGA-based hardware, real-time operating systems, middleware services, and application interfaces to deliver deterministic, safety-critical avionics capabilities.

Due to the nature of this role—all candidate MUST be a U.S. citizen or US Person.

Location

Cedar Rapids, IA or Remote

Key Responsibilities

Platform & Operating Systems

• Support VxWorks 653 and LynxOS-178 guest operating systems.
• Configure and manage partitioned, multi-core environments aligned with FACE profiles.
• Support secure boot, system initialization, and health monitoring.
• Maintain BIT and SNMP-based health services.

I/O & FPGA Integration

• Develop and sustain device drivers for Avionics I/O Node and Module Manager FPGAs.
• Support avionics and general-purpose interfaces: MIL-STD-1553B (BC/RT/BBC), ARINC 429, RS-422/485, GPIO, discrete, and analog I/O.
• Implement low-latency I/O routing and bypass paths.
• Integrate shared memory and network-based data transport.

Video & Graphics Processing

• Develop and maintain merge and video device drivers.
• Integrate MerVE3 FPGA-based video processing and merge functionality.
• Support ARINC 661, ARINC 818, SDI, SMPTE, DisplayPort, and STANAG 3350 interfaces.
• Implement and maintain video and merge APIs.
• Optimize low-latency video pipelines and graphics overlays.
• Support multi-input/multi-output video routing and synchronization.

Middleware & Application Services

• Maintain I/O server frameworks and distribution services.
• Support deterministic networking with traffic shaping and partition isolation.
• Integrate secure NVMe file systems and persistent storage.
• Support ARINC 615/615A data loading and DevSecOps automation.
• Implement zeroization and cybersecurity services.

System Integration & Verification

• Perform hardware/software bring-up on OpenVPX platforms.
• Conduct system-level debugging across compute, I/O, and video subsystems.
• Optimize performance on NXP QorIQ multicore architectures.
• Integrate hardware acceleration engines and DMA paths.
• Support verification, qualification, and acceptance testing.
• Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Collaboration & Documentation

• Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, systems, cybersecurity, and test teams.
• Develop and maintain software design descriptions, ICDs, and test artifacts.
• Participate in Agile development and configuration management.
• Support customer reviews and program milestones.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of embedded software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
• Full SDLC experience (requirements, design, implementation, integration, and test)
• Experience with real-time operating systems (VxWorks, LynxOS, or equivalent).
• Experience working with ARINC 653 partitioned systems.
• Experience developing embedded device drivers.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based peripherals.
• Experience with avionics data buses (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, RS-422/485).
• Strong system-level debugging and integration skills.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of aerospace/defense embedded systems experience.
• Experience with Wind River 653 and FACE-aligned platforms.
• Knowledge of DO-178C and DO-297 processes.
• Experience with OpenVPX and modular avionics architectures.
• Experience with video processing and display systems.
• Familiarity with ARINC 661, ARINC 818, SDI, and graphics pipelines.
• Experience with hardware acceleration engines.
• Prior technical leadership or mentoring experience.

Why QDSS Solutions

We're a family-like company. We are collaborative. We believe in embracing change. We believe in doing consistent good work. QDSS houses smart, curious and passionate about making a difference people. Our company culture sets us apart from others as well as:

• 401k with Employer-Match Contributions
• Medical, Dental, and Life coverage
• Disability Benefits
• Generous compensation structure
• Significant opportunities for advancement
• Next Generation / Cutting Edge Technology Projects
• Certification Assistance Available (Approval Required)
• Flexible, Friendly and Fun work environment

About Us

At QDSS, we are more than an engineering company—we are a force for innovation and positive change. With over 25 years of proven expertise in solving mission-critical challenges, we empower our team to push boundaries, combining deep industry knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative "think tank" approach. Our vision is to be the trusted partner of choice for our defense and aerospace clients, delivering secure, sustainable, and world-class solutions that build a brighter future.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$70,000 - $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.