Embedded Systems Developer Jobs in Plano, TX (NOW HIRING)

Join the elite team at QDSS, where our engineers are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge Aerospace, Defense, Space, and Medical Device products. Your work will make a real impact, contributing to the core of engineering solutions that drive technological advancements. 

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions (QDSS) is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to lead the development of embedded software for mission-critical aerospace and defense systems. In this role, you will design and guide the implementation of real-time software operating directly on complex hardware platforms supporting avionics, mission computers, and advanced embedded control systems.

This position is ideal for an experienced embedded engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems while providing technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers. You will play a key role in defining software architectures, guiding development across the full software lifecycle, and supporting system integration in hardware-intensive environments where reliability, performance, and safety are critical.

Due to the nature of the project, all applicants must be U.S. citizens and must have or be eligible to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Clearance.  

Must be located or willing to relocate to Fort Worth, TX (Marietta, GA, or Deer Creek, CO will also be considered).

Key Responsibilities:

• Embedded Software Development
  • Lead development of complex embedded software using C, C++, and/or Ada.
  • Design software architectures for real-time embedded systems supporting avionics and mission systems.
  • Develop software interacting with hardware devices, control systems, and communication interfaces.
• Full Software Lifecycle Participation
  • Lead activities across the embedded software lifecycle including:
    • Software requirements analysis and decomposition
    • High-level and low-level software design
    • Implementation and technical oversight
    • Integration and system testing
    • Verification and validation activities
    • Support for regulatory compliance documentation
• Safety-Critical and Regulated Development
  • Ensure software development aligns with aerospace and defense regulatory frameworks.
  • Support certification activities, audits, and program technical reviews.

• Verification & Validation
  • Oversee requirements-based verification activities.
  • Support development of test strategies and verification approaches.
  • Analyze complex software issues discovered during testing or integration.

• Collaboration
  • Provide technical guidance to software engineers and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Participate in system architecture discussions and technical planning activities.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring alignment on scope, technical requirements and project deliverables. Support customer technical reviews and engineering program milestones.
  • Work with customers to define performance metrics, track project budgets and meet regularly with customers to review this data. Work with customers to monitor and resolve issues and risks.
  • Track project progress, generate status reports, and communicate key metrics to customers and internal leadership.
  • Support internal processes such as interviewing and annual review input

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of embedded software development experience on an Aerospace, Defense, or regulated industry program.
• Experience developing in Agile Scrum environments, as well as programming within DevOps frameworks.
• Applied knowledge of Jira and Bit Bucket or similar Git repository.
• Applied knowledge of MIL-STD-1553 or ARINC 429, or experience with data bus development and messaging architectures.
• Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical work.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must have or be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Embedded systems architecture and design
• Real-time software engineering
• Hardware/software integration
• Technical leadership and mentoring
• Collaboration across engineering disciplines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with standards such as DO-178B/C & ARP4754A
• Additional experience with:
  • Experience with integrated development environment including debugger tools, networking, embedded systems integration, requirements generation, and systems interface development is highly desired.
  • Real-time operating systems (RTOS)
  • Requirements management tools (DOORS, JIRA/ Jama)
  • Static analysis and verification tools.
  • Experience with XML based open standards, Common Software Baseline processes, and Agile processes and tools is highly desired.
• Recent work experience with embedded architectures, single board computers, and hardware and software in the loop implementation and testing is a plus.
• 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.

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. 

 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.