Embedded Software Engineer - Multicore Platforms & Avionics Networking

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 an Embedded Software Engineer with experience developing low-level software for multicore processors and System-on-Chip platforms. This role requires hands-on experience with deterministic avionics networking—particularly Time-Sensitive Networking, ARINC 664 Part 7/AFDX, or related ARINC communication standards—as well as development within a DO-178 environment. You will work at the intersection of software and hardware, developing processor-level software, enabling new hardware platforms, and integrating multicore systems with FPGA, ASIC, and other custom hardware.

Location: Remote candidates will be considered provided they are available for an initial onboarding period in Endicott, NY and can travel to the site on a quarterly basis thereafter.

Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, and maintain low-level embedded software using C, C++, and Assembly.
• Develop software for multicore processors and SoCs, including processor initialization, inter-core communication, synchronization, shared-resource management, and deterministic execution.
• Develop and integrate deterministic avionics networking solutions using TSN, ARINC 664 Part 7/AFDX, PCIe, and related real-time communication technologies.
• Develop board support packages, boot code, device drivers, and other platform-level software.
• Support new hardware bring-up, board initialization, and hardware/software integration.
• Integrate embedded software with FPGA, ASIC, and custom hardware components.
• Develop software in accordance with DO-178B/C processes and applicable safety-critical requirements.
• Analyze and troubleshoot timing, latency, concurrency, and real-time performance issues.
• Debug processor- and board-level software using hardware debuggers, trace tools, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and related laboratory equipment.
• Develop Python-based tools to support debugging, testing, automation, and integration.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, FPGA, ASIC, systems, and verification engineers throughout the development lifecycle.
• Participate in software architecture, design reviews, testing, technical documentation, and continuous process improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another relevant STEM discipline.
• 4+ years of embedded software or firmware development experience in aerospace, avionics, defense, or another safety- or mission-critical environment.
• Strong programming experience with embedded C and C++.
• Experience developing very low-level, real-time embedded software, such as BSPs, boot code, device drivers, processor initialization, or platform software.
• Hands-on experience developing software for multicore processors or multicore SoCs.
• Experience with deterministic avionics networking or communications, including at least one of the following:
• Time-Sensitive Networking
• ARINC 664 Part 7 or AFDX
• Related ARINC avionics communication standards
• Experience working within a DO-178B/C software development lifecycle.
• Experience with board bring-up, hardware initialization, or hardware/software integration.
• Experience interfacing embedded software with FPGA, ASIC, or other custom hardware.
• Experience debugging embedded systems using hardware debugging or trace tools.
• U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ARM processor architecture and ARM-based SoCs.
• Experience with PCIe or other high-speed hardware interfaces.
• Experience with RTOS, bare-metal, or embedded Linux development.
• Experience analyzing timing, latency, concurrency, WCET, or deterministic system performance.
• Experience with ARM Development Studio, DSTREAM, or comparable processor-debugging tools.
• Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other laboratory equipment.
• Experience developing Python scripts for debugging, testing, or workflow automation.
• Familiarity with DO-254 and hardware/software design assurance activities.
• Active security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

The QDSS Advantage

At QDSS, you’ll work alongside collaborative engineering teams on complex, mission-critical programs where software reliability and technical precision matter. You’ll have opportunities to deepen your expertise, take on new challenges, and contribute to platforms with meaningful real-world impact.

What You’ll Find Here

• Work That Matters: Contribute to next-generation safety- and mission-critical systems.
• Supported Growth: Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and opportunities for advancement.
• A Collaborative Culture: Join a flexible, people-focused environment where teamwork, technical excellence, and work-life balance are valued.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, comprehensive medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, a 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, collaborative 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.