Job Description
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 U.S. citizens or U.S. persons.
Preference is onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA. Will consider remote candidates meeting all requirements.
Key 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 the 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
Desired Qualifications:
- 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:
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 overcommunicates, thinks in systems, plans with precision, and leads by example.
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
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.
