Embedded Software Engineer

Summary

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions develops aerospace and defense technologies for mission-critical applications. The company is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop scalable software infrastructure for avionics systems, including multi-protocol I/O frameworks, embedded software, requirements traceability, and system integration.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement an embedded I/O framework supporting multiple protocols and data interfaces
• Define and maintain data dictionaries, interface specifications, and technical requirements
• Develop and test embedded software in C/C++ and Python
• Create, review, and maintain high- and low-level requirements with full traceability
• Integrate software, hardware, device drivers, and communications across multiple platforms
• Help shape scalable, reusable, and maintainable software architecture

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or another STEM discipline
• 4+ years of embedded software development or testing experience
• Strong C/C++ skills and experience with object-oriented embedded design
• Experience with embedded C in an avionics environment
• Experience with Python 2.7 and Python 3.12
• Knowledge of I/O architecture, protocol handling, memory management, and C data structures
• Experience generating, reviewing, and tracing high- and low-level requirements
• Strong initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn quickly
• Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is required
• Experience with LynxOS, VxWorks, Makefiles, NXP T2080 processors, DOORS, Trace32, socket programming, and Python concurrency
• Experience interfacing with hardware or developing device drivers
• Familiarity with avionics and video protocols, including ARINC 429, ARINC 818, MIL-STD-1553, AFDX, CAN, SPI, and UART
• Experience designing non-volatile storage using EEPROM, flash, or NVRAM
• Knowledge of persistent and transient logging, rollover, retention policies, and log transport mechanisms
• Familiarity with CI/CD toolchains, configuration management, and software verification
• Experience integrating systems across multiple platforms and configuring network communications
• Experience with dynamic resolution 2D or 3D video systems
• Ability to think strategically and design reusable software frameworks
• Experience adopting and/or integrating emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or another STEM discipline
• 4+ years of embedded software development or testing experience
• Strong C/C++ skills and experience with object-oriented embedded design
• Experience with embedded C in an avionics environment
• Experience with Python 2.7 and Python 3.12
• Knowledge of I/O architecture, protocol handling, memory management, and C data structures
• Experience generating, reviewing, and tracing high- and low-level requirements
• Strong initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn quickly
• Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is required

Nice to Haves

• Experience with LynxOS, VxWorks, Makefiles, NXP T2080 processors, DOORS, Trace32, socket programming, and Python concurrency
• Experience interfacing with hardware or developing device drivers
• Familiarity with avionics and video protocols, including ARINC 429, ARINC 818, MIL-STD-1553, AFDX, CAN, SPI, and UART
• Experience designing non-volatile storage using EEPROM, flash, or NVRAM
• Knowledge of persistent and transient logging, rollover, retention policies, and log transport mechanisms
• Familiarity with CI/CD toolchains, configuration management, and software verification
• Experience integrating systems across multiple platforms and configuring network communications
• Experience with dynamic resolution 2D or 3D video systems
• Ability to think strategically and design reusable software frameworks
• Experience adopting and/or integrating emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement

Benefits

• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Employer-matched 401(k)
• Certification assistance
• Clear opportunities for advancement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, life and disability coverage
• Professional development support
• A flexible, friendly workplace
• This position is onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA, or remote in the United States.