Embedded Software Engineer - Platform & Hardware Integration

At Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, our engineers support complex, mission-critical programs where software performance, reliability, and precision matter.

We are seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer with deep expertise in processor‑level development, board support, and hardware/software integration.

This role focuses on building foundational embedded platforms, enabling reliable system bring-up, and ensuring robust communication with complex hardware components. You will work closely with hardware, FPGA/ASIC, and systems teams to deliver deterministic, real‑time embedded solutions for safety‑critical applications.

This opportunity may be performed in a hybrid/onsite capacity in Endicott, NY. U.S. citizenship is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain very low‑level embedded software, including processor‑level C, C++, and assembly code.
• Lead and execute SoC hardware initialization, board bring-up, and platform-level hardware/software integration.
• Experience with FPGA/ASIC components, ensuring timing‑critical and deterministic communication.
• Integrate and support avionics and real‑time communication protocols such as Time-Sensitive Network (TSN), PCIe, and AFDX.
• Contribute to the development of highly reliable embedded systems for avionics, safety‑critical, or deterministic real‑time environments.
• Utilize 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, documentation development, and continuous improvement of embedded software processes.

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or a related engineering discipline with 4+ years of relevant Software Engineering experience in avionics or electronic controls embedded development in a safety- or mission-critical environment (ie: aerospace, 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 avionics and 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 to support debugging, testing, integration, or workflow improvement.
• Prior experience working in aerospace, defense, avionics, automotive, industrial controls, or another regulated embedded systems environment.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain a clearance.

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

$100,000—$140,000 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.