Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

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 is seeking a Senior Embedded Graphics Software Engineer to support the development, modernization, and sustainment of graphics software for advanced avionics display systems. This role will focus on graphics driver development, graphics middleware, rendering technologies, and performance optimization within safety-critical embedded environments.

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience developing graphics software on embedded platforms, including OpenGL-based solutions, graphics drivers, display technologies, and real-time operating systems. This individual will work closely with platform, systems, and hardware engineering teams to enhance graphics performance, support legacy display modernization efforts, and help advance next-generation avionics display capabilities.

Hybrid work in Phoenix, AZ; all candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate. U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status is required.

Key Responsibilities:   

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain graphics drivers, graphics middleware, and embedded graphics software supporting avionics display systems.
• Support the modernization and enhancement of legacy graphics software and display technologies for safety-critical aerospace applications.
• Develop and optimize OpenGL-based graphics solutions for embedded and real-time operating environments.
• Collaborate with platform, systems, and hardware engineering teams to ensure efficient interaction between graphics software, GPUs, processors, memory, and display hardware.
• Analyze and optimize graphics performance across multi-core processor architectures, including CPU/GPU shared resource utilization.
• Investigate and resolve software performance issues related to memory architecture, cache behavior, rendering performance, and system throughput.
• Support software integration, verification, debugging, and testing activities throughout the development lifecycle.
• Participate in software architecture, design reviews, technical trade studies, and graphics technology evaluations.
• Develop technical documentation and engineering artifacts in support of software development and certification activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in embedded graphics and graphics driver development.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience developing software for embedded and/or real-time systems.
• Strong experience developing embedded graphics software using OpenGL or similar graphics APIs.
• Experience developing graphics drivers, display drivers, or GPU-related software
• Experience working within DO-178B and/or DO-178C software development environments for safety-critical aerospace systems.
• Strong programming experience in C/C++ within embedded and real-time operating system environments.
• Experience working with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) in embedded environments. (DEOS highly preferred)
• Working knowledge of multi-core processor architectures and their impact on software performance.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with DEOS RTOS.
• Experience supporting avionics display systems or aerospace embedded products.
• Experience with CPU/GPU shared memory architectures and graphics performance optimization.
• Familiarity with FAA certification requirements and multicore certification guidance.
• Experience supporting legacy platform modernization efforts.
• Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in the 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.