Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Airborne Platform Software

Unlock the power of Safety- and Mission-Critical Engineering with QDSS. We are seeking exceptional individuals to join our elite team- where your expertise will make an impact that matters. Elevate your career in a company dedicated to excellence and the pursuit of safety and mission success. 

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions (QDSS) is seeking an experienced Senior Embedded Software Engineer with 10–15 years of experience developing safety-critical airborne software for DO-178C DAL A systems. The selected candidate will contribute to the design, development, troubleshooting, and verification of embedded platform software used in mission- and safety-critical avionics environments.

This role requires strong experience across the full DO-178C software lifecycle, including requirements traceability, design, implementation, verification, and certification support. The engineer will collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, including systems engineering, hardware, verification, and certification authorities, to ensure delivery of high-integrity airborne software.

Due to the nature of the project, all applicants must be U.S. citizens.  

This role is remote with up to 10% travel to Indianapolis, IN.

Key Responsibilities:

• Embedded Software Development

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded platform software for airborne avionics systems in compliance with DO-178C DAL A objectives.
• Implement software in C/C++ and/or Ada targeting real-time embedded environments.
• Develop software architectures and detailed designs that support deterministic and certifiable execution.

• DO-178C Compliance

• Execute software development activities in accordance with DO-178C processes and plans (PSAC, SDP, SVP, SCMP, SQAP).
• Ensure compliance with DAL A software objectives, including documentation, traceability, and verification artifacts.
• Support certification activities with regulatory authorities and DERs.

• Requirements & Traceability

• Develop and refine low-level and software requirements derived from system and high-level requirements.
• Maintain bidirectional traceability between system requirements, software requirements, design, code, and verification artifacts.
• Utilize requirements management tools such as DOORS, Jama, or equivalent.

• Troubleshooting & Integration

• Diagnose and resolve complex software defects across requirements, design, code, and integration levels.
• Support hardware/software integration activities and system-level troubleshooting.
• Analyze runtime behavior in real-time operating systems and embedded hardware environments.

• Verification & Code Coverage

• Support verification teams in achieving DAL A structural coverage objectives including:
• Statement coverage
• Decision coverage
• Modified Condition/Decision Coverage (MC/DC)
• Analyze coverage results and perform code analysis to address uncovered logic.

• Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Work collaboratively with systems, hardware, test, and certification teams to ensure alignment across the development lifecycle.
• Provide technical mentoring to junior engineers and contribute to design and code reviews.
• Support continuous improvement of software processes and development tools.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 10–15 years of experience developing embedded software for aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical industries.
• Demonstrated experience with DO-178C DAL A software development.
• Strong proficiency in C, C++, and/or Ada for embedded systems.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Proven experience in troubleshooting complex embedded software issues.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Close attention to detail in safety-critical environments.
• Ability to work in structured engineering processes.
• Strong collaboration and technical communication skills.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Required Technical Skills:

• DO-178C lifecycle processes and certification artifacts
• Requirements management and traceability
• Embedded software architecture and design
• Structural coverage analysis (MC/DC)
• Debugging on embedded hardware platforms
• Software configuration management and version control

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting airborne platform software (e.g., operating systems, drivers, middleware).
• Familiarity with avionics standards such as: ARP4754A, DO-254, or DO-330.
• Experience with verification tools such as: VectorCast, LDRA, or Rapita RVS.
• Familiarity with avionics communication protocols such as ARINC 429, ARINC 664, MIL-STD-1553, or AFDX.
• Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

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.