Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Shape the future of innovation as we tackle cutting-edge projects that make a difference. We’re not just in the business of engineering—we’re building a brighter future. Driven by creativity and a culture of excellence, we believe in the power of engineering to solve today’s challenges and create opportunities for tomorrow. What we do matters.

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is seeking a highly skilled Senior Embedded Software Engineer. The IC (instrumentation and controls) embedded software engineer will work with the I&C engineering team within our client engineering organization. The I&C team is responsible for designing and implementing I&C electronic hardware and software for I&C systems for nuclear power plants. The I&C software team has strong interfaces with the electronic hardware design and plant systems operations. This role requires technical problem solving, strong software skills and effective communication\ collaboration with other teams within the client business functions.

This role can be remote but will require 25% travel onsite for testing. Due to the nature of the project all applicants must be US Citizens.

Job Responsibilities:

The I&C Software Engineer is responsible for the delivery of high-quality engineering
software. Work scope typically includes the following essential responsibilities:

• Develop creative solutions and reduce complexity to create accurate and effective solutions
  for complex engineering problems.


• Typical embedded software activities will include preparing design specifications,
  developing software, performing module testing, and integration testing of the design.


• Performing Code Reviews and verifications of Design Specifications and Reports.


• Engage customers to define scope, review results, and discuss technical risks.
  Perform integration testing of software solutions using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)
  simulation and full end to end operational testing.


• Work with the technical leader to establish an effective work plan, including time
  estimates, schedule estimates, requirements and work processes.


• Apply engineering fundamentals and 1st order engineering principles to establish and/or confirm expected performance.


• Provide clear and complete analysis documentation in accordance with GEH engineering
  procedures.


• Manage time effectively to provide quality deliverables within the expected project
  timeline.


• Communicate effectively to leadership the status of work activities.


• Provide leadership and mentoring to junior staff.


• Effectively manage multiple priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer or software engineering or a related engineering discipline


• 10+ years of relevant Software Engineering Development, including an expert knowledge level of C- programming languages and software development tools (GitLab, Jira, LDRA, Arm Development Studio, Visual Studio, GDB, etc.


• Minimum of 7 years of advanced knowledge of the C programming languages


• Minimum of 10 years’ experience with coding conventions, code review, unit testing and integration testing of software.


• The candidate must be willing to be onsite in Wilmington, NC periodically to test software on the client equipment and work in the lab with other client engineers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Intermediate knowledge of standard programming languages (for example: Python).


• Experience with software development in an industry standard environment (DO-178,
  SEAL).


• Solves technical challenges through application of common design patterns and identifying
  appropriate patterns for use in problem solving.


• Effective use of data structures and algorithms.


• Experience understanding coding standards that meets and delivers desired functionality
  using technology selected for the project.


• Knowledge of common development paradigms (Agile, Waterfall)


• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and ability to articulate clearly.


• Contributes to creative solutions and challenges status quo.


• Proactively learns new tools and identifies opportunities for improvement and promotes
  their adoption.

About Us

At QDSS, we are more than an engineering company—we are a force for innovation and positive change. With over 25 years of proven expertise in solving mission-critical challenges, we empower our team to push boundaries, combining deep industry knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative "think tank" approach.

Our vision is to be the trusted partner of choice for our defense and aerospace clients, delivering secure, sustainable, and world-class solutions that build a brighter future.

QDSS 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.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$110,000—$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.