Embedded software engineer – advanced signal processing

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 strong interest in digital signal processing, real‑time embedded systems, and innovative approaches to GPS integrity and anti‑jam resilience. This position is part of our Advanced Navigation & Signal Processing group, focused on delivering assured positioning, navigation, and timing (A‑PNT) solutions for airborne, ground, and weapons applications.

This role requires full‑time onsite work at our Cedar Rapids engineering facility to support secure labs, specialized hardware, and high‑collaboration design environments.

What You’ll Do

• Architect, design, develop, integrate, and verify embedded software for real‑time GPS receiver and signal processing applications.
• Support advanced Anti‑Jam (AJ) techniques, interference suppression algorithms, and other protective signal‑processing functions that ensure mission‑ready GPS availability and integrity.
• Contribute to all phases of the software engineering lifecycle including requirements development, subsystem decomposition, coding, integration, and formal verification.
• Gain deep understanding of modernized GPS receiver architectures and signal‑processing chains, contributing directly to next‑generation Quest A‑PNT products.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, firmware, and test engineering disciplines to ensure cohesive, high‑quality product integration.
• Support field demonstrations, customer engagements, and internal technical reviews.
• Develop and enhance software tools, test infrastructure, scripts, and automation that improve engineering throughput.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of innovation, technical rigor, and professional excellence.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• Currently pursuing or holding a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, etc.).
• Understanding of real‑time embedded software development processes.
• Proficiency in C for embedded applications.
• Ability to contribute to software requirements, functional decomposition, subsystem architecture, and interface definition.
• Experience collaborating with systems, firmware, and hardware engineering teams.
• Interest in Digital Signal Processing concepts including Anti‑Jam protection, interference characterization, direction finding, and signal integrity analysis.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred Education, Experience & Skills

• Experience with C or C++ for embedded systems development.
• Experience working with real‑time embedded hardware platforms.
• Familiarity with ARM processors and embedded RTOS environments (e.g., Nucleus).
• Experience with Lauterbach TRACE32, Sourcery CodeBench, or similar low‑level debug tools.
• Working knowledge of communication systems, DSP, and RF signal‑processing concepts.
• Experience with MATLAB, Simulink models, or MATLAB scripting.
• Experience with Jira, DOORS, or similar engineering lifecycle tools.
• Interest or experience in using AI‑assisted tools for software development.
• Experience with Python scripting and automation frameworks.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Enthusiasm for innovation and desire to contribute to high‑performance product development teams.
• Ability to work successfully in a diverse, multi‑disciplinary engineering environment.

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.