Senior Systems Engineer – Avionics & Embedded Systems

We don’t just build technology-we engineer the future. From next-gen aerospace to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the limits of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and big thinkers thrive. 

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer with experience in embedded systems, System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms, and hardware/software integration to help design, integrate, and verify advanced aerospace systems.

Location: onsite Cedar Rapids, IA. Relocation assistance is available.  There is limited remote consideration for candidates exceeding requirements. 

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.

In this role, you'll work closely with systems, hardware, software, and Airborne Electronic Hardware (AEH) teams to define requirements, support system integration, troubleshoot technical challenges, and validate system performance. This is an excellent opportunity for engineers who enjoy solving complex technical problems while working across multiple engineering disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:    

• Develop, capture, and manage system requirements, designs, test cases, and verification plans.
• Support board-level and device-level systems engineering for System-on-Chip (SoC) and embedded avionics platforms.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, software, FPGA, and AEH teams to integrate and validate complex embedded systems.
• Define and verify hardware- and software-allocated requirements.
• Perform system integration, verification, validation (V&V), and troubleshooting in a laboratory environment.
• Support development activities aligned with ARP4754B, DO-254, and DO-178C.
• Maintain technical documentation, requirements traceability, and engineering artifacts using Jama, Jira, and Git.
• Develop system use cases, concepts of operation, and technical solutions.
• Support automation and scripting activities to improve engineering and test efficiency.
• Participate in technical reviews and communicate risks, issues, and recommendations across engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or another STEM-related field with 8+ years of experience, or a Master's degree with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience with Systems Engineering for embedded hardware, avionics, or processor-based systems.
• Experience integrating hardware and software for complex embedded systems.
• Experience developing, managing, and validating system requirements.
• Working knowledge of ARP4754A/B, DO-254, and/or DO-178C.
• Experience with system integration, verification, validation (V&V), and troubleshooting.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Collins Aerospace programs or similar aerospace development environments.
• Experience with System-on-Chip (SoC) or other embedded computing platforms.
• Experience with avionics certification and product development lifecycles.
• Hands-on experience testing embedded hardware and software.
• Experience using Jama, Jira, and Git.
• Experience with scripting or test automation.
• Experience troubleshooting hardware, software, and systems integration issues.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

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

$125,000—$150,000 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.