Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead an Agile software development team within the Core Services & Libraries organization
• Break down program-level objectives into executable user stories, tasks, and milestones
• Assign and track work across team members, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and quality standards
• Provide regular progress metrics and reporting to program management and customer representatives
• Mentor team members on software design, partitioning, certification, and avionics standards
• Contribute technically to architecture, design, and implementation of core software components
• Collaborate with other leads to define interfaces, data flows, and I/O architecture across systems
• Ensure development aligns with certification objectives (DO-178C DAL A/B) and coding standards
• Participate in sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives to continuously improve team performance
• Required Qualifications:
• 8+ years of experience developing or testing embedded software
• Strong experience in embedded C++ software development within RTOS environments (VxWorks preferred)
• Demonstrated expertise with ARINC-653 partitioning, I/O frameworks, and low-level software design
• Hands-on experience leading Agile or Scrum-based engineering teams
• Proficiency in work decomposition, backlog management, and metrics-based reporting (e.g., velocity, burndown, earned value)
• Experience with requirements traceability and verification (HLR/LLR) under DO-178C
• Ability to coordinate across multiple engineering and certification disciplines

Requirements

• Experience with ARINC 661 Cockpit Display Systems (CDS/UA integration)
• Familiarity with I/O protocols, data dictionaries, and software architecture for reusable libraries
• Background in DAL A certification or equivalent safety-critical domains
• Familiarity with toolchains and CI/CD environments supporting configuration management and verification (Atlassian Suite, Jama, Coverity, Rapita, etc)
• Ideal Candidate:
• 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.
• Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications
• Pay Ranges
• $140,000 - $165,000 USD

Benefits

Additional Information

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 a Lead Software Engineer to join the Core Services & Libraries (CS&L) team in building the foundational software components that enable next-generation avionics systems. As Team Lead, you will guide a multidisciplinary team of software engineers who develop reusable libraries, I/O frameworks, and partitioned services in a safety-critical, certifiable environment. The lead(s) will operate within an Agile framework, balancing hands-on technical contribution with leadership, task planning, and delivery accountability. Due to the nature of this role, all candidates must be a US Citizen OR US Person. Preference is onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA. Will consider remote candidates meeting all requirements.

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