Lead Embedded Software Engineer

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 role operates 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. Remote candidates meeting all requirements will be considered.

• 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

• 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

• 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 tool chains and CI/CD environments supporting configuration management and verification (Atlassian Suite, Jama, Coverity, Rapita, etc.)

A hands‑on technical leader who thrives on enabling the team to deliver complex, certifiable software in a dynamic environment. An engineer who can balance architectural vision with day‑to‑day execution, ensuring the team stays aligned, productive, and responsive. Someone who over communicates, thinks in systems, plans with precision, and leads by example.

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.

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

Pay ranges: $140,000 – $165,000 USD.

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.