Embedded Software Engineer - Platform & Hardware Integration

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. builds next-generation embedded platforms for safety- and mission-critical applications. In this hybrid role based in Endicott, NY, you will help deliver foundational embedded software, support system bring-up, and integrate deterministic real-time communication across complex hardware components.

This position offers USD 100,000 - 140,000 per year, employer-matched 401(k), and a flexible, people-first culture designed to support teamwork, innovation, and balance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain very low-level embedded software, including processor-level C, C++, and assembly.
• Lead and execute SoC hardware initialization, board bring-up, and platform-level hardware/software integration.
• Work with FPGA/ASIC components to support timing-critical and deterministic communication.
• Integrate and support avionics and real-time communication protocols including TSN, PCIe, and AFDX.
• Contribute to highly reliable embedded systems for avionics, safety-critical, or deterministic real-time environments.
• Use ARM DS IDE, DSTREAM, and Python-based tooling for debugging, automation, and productivity optimization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, systems, and verification teams to ensure seamless integration and compliance with platform requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, develop documentation, and support continuous improvement of embedded software processes.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 4+ years of relevant Software Engineering experience in avionics or electronic controls embedded development in a safety- or mission-critical environment (examples include aerospace and military).
• Demonstrated expertise in low-level embedded software development using C, C++, and assembly.
• Strong background in SoC initialization, hardware, board bring-up, and system-level hardware/software integration.
• Hands-on experience interfacing with FPGA/ASIC logic and working with timing-critical embedded communication.
• Practical knowledge of deterministic communication protocols including TSN, PCIe, and AFDX.
• Proven experience developing software for avionics, safety-critical, or other deterministic real-time systems.
• Proficiency with ARM DS IDE, DSTREAM hardware debug tools, and Python for automation and tooling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing board support packages, boot code, device drivers, or other platform-level embedded software.
• Hands-on experience with new board bring-up, processor initialization, hardware debug, and early-stage system integration.
• Experience supporting DO-178C, DO-254, or other safety-critical development and verification processes.
• Familiarity with timing analysis, deterministic execution, latency-sensitive communication, or real-time performance optimization.
• Experience using hardware debug tools, trace tools, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or similar lab-based debugging equipment.
• Experience developing Python scripts or automation tools for debugging, testing, integration, or workflow improvement.
• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, avionics, automotive, industrial controls, or another regulated embedded systems environment.
• Experience adopting or integrating emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain a clearance.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 3% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Location

This position is preferred to be based in Endicott, NY with hybrid/onsite work. Remote candidates will be considered, but U.S. citizenship is required.

What you get (QDSS Advantage)

• 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.
• Comprehensive coverage: Competitive pay and medical/dental/life and disability coverage, plus professional development support and a flexible, friendly workplace.