Job Description

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:  

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  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.

Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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