Embedded Software Engineer

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions•Cedar Rapids, IA

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Embedded Software Engineers to join the Core Services & Libraries (CS&L) team in building the foundational software components that enable next-generation avionics systems. This team is responsible for developing 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. Preference is onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA. Will consider remote candidates meeting all requirements.

Requirements

4+ 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
U.S. citizens or U.S. persons

Nice To Haves

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.

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