Lead Embedded Software Engineer
QuEST Defense
Cedar Rapids, United States of America
3 days ago
Role details
Contract type
Permanent contract Employment type
Full-time (> 32 hours) Working hours
Regular working hours Languages
English Experience level
Senior Compensation
$ 165KJob location
Cedar Rapids, United States of America
Tech stack
Agile Methodologies
Configuration Management
Continuous Integration
Data Dictionary
Embedded C
Embedded Software
Scrum
Software Architecture
Systems Development Life Cycle
Real-Time Operating Systems
Requirements Traceability
Software Engineering
Data Streaming
Toolchain
VxWorks
Jama (Software)
Atlassian Tools
DO-178B
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., * 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
Requirements
Do you have experience in Verification (System development task)?, * 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 toolchains 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 overcommunicates, thinks in systems, plans with precision, and leads by example.
Benefits & conditions
Pulled from the full job description
- Health insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Opportunities for advancement, 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.
About the company
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.