Sr. Hardware Systems Engineer

Embark on a journey with QDSS at the forefront of technological innovation as we seek talented Engineers to shape the future of cutting-edge projects and contribute to a culture of excellence and creativity.  What we do matters. 

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Hardware Engineer to design, test, and qualify electrical hardware for aerospace applications. In this role, you will develop new hardware and improve existing designs, troubleshoot technical issues, and support integration and certification activities. You will work with teams across electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering to deliver reliable hardware that meets performance and safety requirements.

This role is onsite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

What You Will Do:

• Design, test, analyze, integrate, qualify, and document new electrical hardware
• Develop, test, and document changes to existing hardware designs
• Work closely with other engineering disciplines (ie. mechanical and systems engineering) to ensure electrical design is appropriate for the given application
• Participate in cross-functional team efforts in integration, pre-qualification, and qualification for products and subsystems

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with typically 5+ years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field with typically 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience using common electronic test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers (VNAs), digital multimeters (DMMs), and signal generators for circuit characterization, debugging, and validation.
• Experience supporting hardware verification, integration, pre-qualification, qualification testing, and certification documentation (Accomplishment Summaries, Qualification by Similarity Assessments, etc.)
• Ability to work collaboratively with electrical, mechanical, systems, certification, and other engineering disciplines during integration, verification, pre-qualification, and qualification activities.
• Ability to work independently with limited day-to-day direction, troubleshoot technical issues, and drive assigned work to completion.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience with DO-254 certification and associated documentation at the hardware/box level; FPGA/complex-device coding experience is not the primary need for this scope.
• Experience with DO-160 environmental qualification and EMI/EMC testing.
• Familiarity with FAA AC 20-152A, AC 20-189, and civil certification processes.
• Experience with display technologies such as image processing, LCD drivers, graphics engines, touch screens, graphics controller cards, backlights, or related display circuitry.

Ability to lead less technical team members.

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

$120,000—$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.