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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Software Engineer - **Company:** Propertyvalue Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. - **Location:** Tucson, AZ, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $143,520.0 - $153,920.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Automation of Tests, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Configuration Management, Continuous Integration, DevOps, Hardware Design, Systems Development Life Cycle, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, UML - **Published:** June 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/73f3d9b8-9520-49bb-9266-015c69349c9b ## About the Role * 7-10+ years of experience in software engineering or test systems development * Strong background in hardware/software integration or ATE systems * Proven experience in technical leadership, mentoring, or leading projects * Experience with C#, C++, and modern development environments * Strong communication skills with ability to interface with engineering and program leadership * Bachelor's degree in STEM (or equivalent experience) * U.S. Citizenship (clearance eligible), * Experience architecting test systems or ATE platforms * Experience with instrument drivers, automation frameworks, or NI ecosystems * Knowledge of system-level design, UML, or modeling tools * Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability environments * Familiarity with CI/CD, DevOps, or configuration management ## Description We are hiring Lead Software Engineer - Test Systems & Hardware Integration (ATE). Stay hands-on while leading-drive software and hardware integration for high-impact test systems used in real production environments. We're hire and grow engineers who thrive on solving hard problems and turning bold ideas into real-world solutions. If you're driven to design, develop, and test technology that truly makes an impact, you'll feel at home here. Join Quest Defense Systems & Solutions as our Lead Software Engineer to drive the development and integration of software for automated test systems (ATE) supporting aerospace and defense programs. In this role, you'll combine hands-on development with technical leadership-owning system-level solutions, guiding engineers, and shaping how test systems are designed, built, and deployed. You'll play a key role in delivering scalable, reliable test architectures in complex production environments., * Opportunity to lead while staying hands-on * Influence technical direction and system architecture * High visibility across engineering and program leadership * Impact delivery of complex, mission-critical systems What You'll Do * Lead development of test software systems and architectures (C#, C++) * Provide technical direction and mentorship to software engineers * Own software + hardware integration strategy across test platforms * Collaborate with program leadership and cross-functional engineering teams * Drive requirements definition, system design, and technical decision-making * Oversee troubleshooting of complex system-level issues * Contribute to program execution (cost, schedule, technical performance) ## Related Videos - [The QUEST for Better Software](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/721-the-quest-for-better-software) - [Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [ChatGPT and Java: A Match Made in Heaven or Hell?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/536-chatgpt-and-java-a-match-made-in-heaven-or-hell) - [The future of automotive mobility: Upcoming E/E architectures, V2X and its challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/374-the-future-of-automotive-mobility-upcoming-e-e-architectures-v2x-and-its-challenges) - [DevOps Maturity Check – a way to balance autonomy and alignment](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/58-devops-maturity-check-a-way-to-balance-autonomy-and-alignment) ## Related Articles - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer)