Embedded Software Engineer - Real-Time Systems & Multicore

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

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Software Engineer specializing in deterministic real‑time execution, multicore architecture, and certification‑driven development.

In this role, you will work at the lowest levels of software, enabling predictable execution across complex multicore processors and supporting safety‑critical certification activities. You will collaborate closely with systems, hardware, and verification teams to ensure reliable, deterministic performance in avionics and other mission‑critical environments.

This position is preferred to be based in Endicott, NY, working in a hybrid/onsite capacity. Remote candidates will be considered provided they are available for an initial onboarding period in Endicott and can travel to the site on a quarterly basis thereafter. U.S. citizenship is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain low‑level embedded software using C, C++, and assembly, with a focus on processor‑level control and deterministic execution.
• Design, implement, and analyze multicore synchronization strategies including cache management, interference mitigation, and timing‑aware resource coordination.
• Perform complex analytical evaluations such as Worst‑Case Execution Time (WCET) assessments and DCCC (Deterministic Cache and Core Contention) analyses.
• Familiarity with DO‑178C objectives, particularly within rigorous Level A verification environments and automated test frameworks.
• Integrate and validate interfaces with FPGA/ASIC components, ensuring reliable, timing‑critical embedded communication.
• Apply proven experience in avionics, safety‑critical, or deterministic real‑time systems to guide architectural decisions and verification strategies.
• Use ARM DS IDE, DSTREAM, and Python‑based automation tools for debugging, instrumentation, trace analysis, and workflow optimization.
• Participate in architecture discussions, design reviews, verification planning, and continuous improvement of real‑time multicore development 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 in C, C++, and assembly.
• Hands‑on experience with multicore synchronization, S32 Processor family, cache behavior, interference channels, and deterministic execution strategies.
• Ability to perform sophisticated analysis, including WCET and DCCC evaluations.
• Familiarity with DO‑178C certification practices, especially Level A verification environments and associated test infrastructures.
• Proven experience in avionics, safety‑critical, or other deterministic real‑time domains.
• Experience with FPGA/ASIC interfaces and timing‑critical embedded communication protocols.
• Proficiency with ARM DS IDE, DSTREAM, and Python for tooling, automation, and analysis.
• Familiarity with the S32 processor family or similar ARM-based multicore platforms

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with multicore processor architectures in avionics, aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical embedded systems.
• Hands-on experience with deterministic execution analysis, timing closure, interference analysis, or resource contention mitigation.
• Experience developing or supporting automated test frameworks, Python-based tooling, trace analysis, or debug instrumentation.
• Experience working closely with FPGA, ASIC, hardware, systems, or verification teams in an integrated engineering environment.
• Familiarity with low-level processor features such as cache configuration, memory management, interrupts, boot code, device drivers, or board support packages.
• Experience participating in software architecture reviews, certification reviews, or technical customer discussions.
• Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.
• Active security clearance or the 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.