Your space-enabled career begins here

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 and Solutions (QDSS) is seeking a mid-level Embedded Software Engineer to develop real-time embedded software for mission- and safety-critical aerospace and defense platforms. This role supports the design, implementation, integration, and verification of embedded software used in avionics systems, mission computers, and embedded control applications.

The engineer will participate across the full embedded software lifecycle, including requirements decomposition, software architecture and design, implementation, integration, and verification in a regulated development environment. This position requires close collaboration with systems, hardware, and verification engineers to deliver reliable software solutions for complex real-time systems.

Due to the nature of the project, all applicants must be US Citizens and must have or be eligible to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Clearance.

Must be located or willing to relocate to Fort Worth, TX (Marietta, GA, or Deer Creek, CO will also be considered).

Key Responsibilities:

Embedded Software Development

• Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded software using C, C++, and/or Ada.
• Develop real-time software supporting avionics systems, mission computers, and embedded control systems.
• Implement software interfacing with hardware devices, sensors, and communication buses.

Full Software Lifecycle Participation

• Execute activities across the software lifecycle, including:
• Requirements analysis and decomposition
• High-level and low-level software design
• Implementation and debugging
• Integration testing and system testing on an RTOS platform
• Software maintenance and defect resolution

Safety-Critical and Regulated Development

• Develop software in accordance with regulated industry frameworks and development standards.
• Support the generation of lifecycle artifacts supporting certification and compliance activities.

Verification & Validation

• Develop and execute requirements-based tests and integration tests.
• Analyze test results, document, and resolve software defects.
• Support technical reviews and verification activities.

Collaboration

• Work closely with systems engineers, hardware engineers, and verification teams.
• Participate in design reviews.
• Support customer technical reviews and program milestones as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3–7 years of real-time embedded software development experience on an Aerospace, Defense, or regulated industry program.
• Experience with mission-critical software design, including the principles of requirements management and decomposition in a regulated environment.
• Experience working within regulated development environments.
• Experience developing in Agile Scrum environments, as well as programming within DevOps frameworks.
• Applied knowledge of Jira and Bit Bucket or similar Git repository.
• Applied knowledge of MIL-STD-1553 or ARINC 429, or experience with data bus development and messaging architectures.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must have or be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Embedded software design and implementation
• Real-time software development in an Agile environment
• Hardware/software integration
• Requirements traceability and verification
• Problem-solving within complex engineering environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with standards such as DO-178B/C & ARP4754A

Additional experience with:

• Experience with an integrated development environment, including debugger tools, networking, embedded systems integration, requirements generation, and systems interface development, is highly desired.
• Real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Requirements management tools (DOORS, JIRA/ Jama)
• Static analysis and verification tools.
• Experience with XML-based open standards, Common Software Baseline processes, and Agile processes and tools is highly desired.
• Recent work experience with embedded architectures, single-board computers, and hardware and software-in-the-loop implementation and testing is a plus.

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.

• What You’ll Find Here
• Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
• Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, 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/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

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.