Internship Systems Software Developer Jobs in Iowa

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 a Senior Systems Verification Engineer to support a mission-critical effort focused on advancing assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing capabilities for military platforms. This role will focus on requirements management, systems verification, technical documentation, and test procedure development for complex embedded and mission-critical systems.

In this position, you will help ensure system requirements are clearly defined, properly traced, and fully verified across key engineering artifacts. You will work with Systems Verification Documents, Interface Control Documents, System/Subsystem Design Documents, and related technical documentation while partnering with cross-functional engineering teams to support system integrity, interface validation, and verification readiness.

The ideal candidate has strong experience working in Jama, understands requirements traceability, and can operate comfortably across systems, software, and hardware interfaces. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complex engineering programs, improving verification processes, and helping teams move from requirements through successful system validation.

This is an onsite position based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. U.S. citizenship is required.

This is a temporary hourly position with the potential for extension or conversion to a regular full-time salaried position based on business needs, performance, and available opportunities. Conversion is not guaranteed.

Key Responsibilities:   

• Develop, update, and maintain systems engineering documentation, including Systems Verification Documents, Interface Control Documents, System/Subsystem Design Documents, and related technical artifacts.
• Assess system requirements and maintain traceability across program artifacts using Jama.
• Review requirements for clarity, completeness, testability, and alignment with verification objectives.
• Develop, automate, and execute test procedures to validate system functionality, interfaces, and overall system integrity.
• Support verification activities by analyzing test coverage, identifying gaps, and improving verification efficiency.
• Support interface verification involving serial interfaces, digital I/O, and related system integrations.
• Collaborate with systems, software, hardware, integration, and test teams to ensure requirements are properly documented, traced, validated, and verified.
• Communicate verification status, risks, gaps, and technical findings to internal teams and program stakeholders.

Required Qualifications: 

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in systems engineering, systems verification, requirements management, test engineering, or a related technical engineering role.
• Strong experience with requirements management, traceability, and documentation using Jama.
• Experience assessing, updating, and maintaining technical engineering artifacts such as requirements documents, verification documentation, ICDs, SSDDs, SVDs, or similar system-level documentation.
• Experience developing, executing, or supporting test procedures for system verification and validation.
• Familiarity with serial interfaces, digital I/O, interface integration, or related system communication protocols.
• Ability to work onsite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across systems, software, hardware, integration, and test teams.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM field.
• Experience supporting defense, aerospace, avionics, navigation, or mission-critical systems.
• Knowledge of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing - Distributed systems or related navigation/GPS technologies.
• Experience with interface protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, I2C, serial interfaces, or related communication standards.
• Experience with GUI tools or frameworks such as Qt, XAML, or similar technologies.
• Experience with test automation, scripting, or process improvement to support system verification activities.
• Familiarity with system integration, hardware/software interface verification, or lab-based test environments.
• Experience working in structured requirements and verification environments with cross-functional engineering teams.

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.