Qureos Mentor

Quest Defense

Quest Defense is a leading provider of engineering solutions across various domains including aerospace, defense, and government sectors. They specialize in capabilities such as aero-thermal analysis, embedded hardware engineering, mechanical design, and software engineering. The company is committed to delivering mission-critical solutions and fostering strong client partnerships, leveraging extensive experience in both military and commercial environments. Quest Defense also emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce, aiming for operational excellence and cultural alignment.

<div>We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible, possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers. 
As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we're eager to hear from you.

Due to the nature of these roles, applicants must be US Citizen and either hold or be eligible for a security clearance. This position is 100% onsite in Cincinnati, OH.

Introduction:

The individual for this role will be working in a small/medium sized team to help support secret-clearance product definition for external aero engine components. They will collaborate daily with other engineers, designers, analysts, technicians and leadership on both the Quest and customer sides. This role will involve working with design packages to define products using the Model Based Definition methodology. These design packages will be tracked for schedule visibility and turnaround time. The individual is expected to understand each design package and deliver the part definition on time and correctly, using all resources available to them.

Roles &amp; Responsibilities:
<ul>
<li>Develop and/or modify designs related to Aero-engine components by analyzing product specifications, performance requirements, and existing manufacturing capabilities</li>
<li>Execute mechanical design projects of external gas turbine engine hardware (tubes, brackets, harnesses, etc</li>
<li>Evaluate concepts of new designs/improvements, manufacturing methods, materials or processes and complete required documentation by applying engineering principles and Industry standards, and generating reports, procedures or change proposals</li>
<li>Capture design &amp; system requirements from the customer, and incorporate into the component design</li>
<li>Support technical substantiation, contribute &amp; present in technical and program reviews</li>
<li>Develop components and modules keeping cost, performance, life, and system requirements in mind</li>
<li>Design and Analysis of the component using CAE tools (NX, ANSYS Classic, ANSYS workbench)</li>
<li>Direct interface with other internal/external engineering functions</li>
<li>Apply technical principles, theories, and concepts to solve a wide range of challenging engineering problems</li>
<li>Evaluate form, fit, function and life of the components relative to the certified configuration</li>
<li>Evaluate non-conformances by reviewing, analyzing design criteria's and acceptability limits, recommend disposition procedures and maximizing producibility</li></ul> 


Required Skills (Technical Competency): 
<ul>
<li>1-3 years of experience in the mechanical design of Gas-turbine or Turbo-machinery components</li>
<li>Minimum BS/B.Tech in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering from an accredited university</li>
<li>Experience with NX and ANSYS (Classic or workbench) or other similar tools</li>
<li>Ability to easily interpret technical drawings with understanding of GD&amp;T</li>
<li>Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, work under time constraints, maintain composure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously</li>
<li>Ability to interact with employees/managers at all levels with strong oral and written communication skills</li>
<li>Project Management experience is desired, but not required</li>
<li>Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment</li>
<li>Due to the nature of the work, all candidates must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a security clearance.</li></ul> 


Preferred Qualifications:
<ul><li>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.</li>
<li>Previous experience using Model Based Definition techniques.</li>
<li>Previous experience working on external gas turbine engine hardware (tubes, brackets, harnesses, etc).</li>
<li>Familiarity with Aero engines is desired</li>
<li>Experience with design and manufacturing processes is desired</li></ul> 


Physical Requirements &amp; Work Environment:
<ul>
<li>Mostly Office Environments, Occasional Shop Floor involvement.</li>
<li>Substantial amounts of telephone and computer work.</li>
<li>Heavily Regulated Industries with strict adherence to procedures.</li>
<li>Flexibility to meet business deadlines by staying late or arriving early.</li>
<li>Typical 8 hour days plus lunch / 40 hour weeks / core (required) hours are 9AM to 4PM</li>
<li>Ability to use personal transportation to visit customer locations.</li></ul> 


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. 


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
<ul>
<li>Work That Matters &ndash; Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.</li>
<li>Growth That's Supported &ndash; Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.</li>
<li>A Culture That Works &ndash; A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.</li>
</ul>
Benefits Include

Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with<div>
At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don't just build technology &mdash; 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 &mdash; not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we're not just leading the industry &mdash; 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.</div></div>

Mechanical Designer and Drafter - Secret Clearance

<div>Unlock the power of Safety- and Mission-Critical Engineering with QDSS. We are seeking exceptional individuals to join our elite team- where your expertise will make an impact that matters. Elevate your career in a company dedicated to excellence and the pursuit of safety and mission success.

Quest Defense Systems &amp; Solutions (QDSS) is seeking a Chief Software Engineer with deep experience in mission- and safety-critical software, working within an engineering services model, supporting aerospace and defense programs.

This role builds on strong software architecture experience and expands into a broader technical authority responsible for guiding how engineering is executed across multiple programs and customers. It is a customer-facing leadership position with accountability for technical direction, execution, and consistency of delivery.

You will work directly with customer engineering leadership to shape software architecture, align on certification approach, and ensure teams are set up to deliver effectively. This includes translating requirements, contractual scope, and certification constraints into a clear and executable technical strategy.

This role requires a balance of:
<ul>
<li>Technical depth in DO-178C (DAL A&ndash;C) systems</li>
<li>Experience working directly with customers</li>
<li>Ability to guide multiple teams and programs</li>
<li>Understanding of how to deliver within a services-based model</li>
</ul>
Due to the nature of the work, all applicants must be U.S. citizens.

This role can be done remotely with up to 25% travel. Preference is given to candidates who reside in Scottsdale, Minneapolis, or Cincinnati.

Key Responsibilities:
<ul>
<li>Customer-Facing Architecture Leadership
<ul><li>Act as the primary technical point of contact between our engineering teams and customer leadership</li>
<li>Turn customer requirements, contract scope, and certification needs into a clear, executable architecture approach</li>
<li>Lead architecture discussions, trade studies, and key technical decisions with customer stakeholders</li>
<li>Help guide customer technical direction while staying aligned with program scope and delivery commitments</li>
<li>Present architecture, compliance approach, and technical risks in customer and executive reviews</li>
<li>This isn't a back-office architect role. You'll be directly involved in active programs, working side-by-side with customers and delivery teams.</li>
</ul></li><li>Mission &amp; Safety-Critical Architecture Ownership
<ul><li>Define and lead software architecture for embedded, real-time, high-assurance systems</li>
<li>Ensure alignment with key standards and processes, including:
<ul><li>DO-178C (DAL A&ndash;C)</li>
<li>ARP4754A system allocations</li>
<li>Safety assessments and hazard mitigation</li>
<li>Certification objectives and supporting evidence</li>
</ul></li><li>Drive core architectural decisions around:
<ul><li>Modernization approaches</li>
<li>Partitioning strategy</li>
<li>Interface design</li>
<li>Timing and resource management</li>
<li>Fault containment and system robustness</li>
<li>Safety-driven design patterns</li>
</ul></li></ul></li><li>Engineering Services Delivery Model Integration</li>
<li><ul><li>This role operates in a services-based delivery environment, not an internal OEM setup. That means architecture has to support execution just as much as design.</li>
<li>Define architecture in a way that enables:</li>
<li>Multiple scrum teams working in parallel</li>
<li>Coordination across distributed teams (onshore/offshore as needed)</li>
<li>Clear breakdown of work into executable packages</li>
<li>Structure architecture artifacts to support:</li>
<li>Traceability to the Statement of Work</li>
<li>Milestone-based delivery and billing</li>
<li>Predictable integration and verification progress</li>
<li>Contribute to proposals by helping define:</li>
</ul></li></ul><ul><li><ul><li><ul><li>ROM estimates</li>
<li>Effort breakdowns</li>
<li>Technical risks</li>
<li>Staffing plans based on system complexity</li>
</ul></li></ul></li><li>Team Technical Leadership &amp; Oversight
<ul><li>Provide hands-on architectural guidance across multiple engineers and/or scrum teams</li>
<li>Help break down requirements into clear, testable, and implementable components</li>
<li>Mentor engineers at all levels in safety-critical development practices</li>
<li>Lead design reviews, interface reviews, and technical quality checks</li>
<li>Ensure consistency in how solutions are implemented across teams</li>
</ul></li><li>Certification &amp; Compliance Strategy
<ul><li>Lead planning and alignment for certification artifacts, including:</li>
</ul></li></ul><div><ul><li><ul><li>PSAC inputs</li>
<li>SDP/SVP alignment</li>
<li>Traceability approach</li>
<li>Tool qualification considerations (DO-330, if applicable)</li>
</ul></li></ul></div><ul><li><ul><li>Work closely with customer DERs and certification authorities as needed</li>
<li>Make architectural decisions with certification in mind to reduce downstream risk</li>
</ul></li><li>Technical Risk &amp; Program Health Management</li>
<li><ul><li>Identify architectural risks early (multicore timing, partitioning issues, interface changes, unstable requirements)</li>
<li>Put mitigation plans in place and tie them to program milestones</li>
<li>Support internal and customer reviews with clear, data-driven risk updates</li>
<li>Ensure the architecture supports predictable integration and verification</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>Required Qualifications:
<ul>
<li>Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field</li>
<li>Significant experience architecting DO-178C compliant software (DAL A experience preferred)</li>
<li>Background working in an engineering services or supplier delivery environment</li>
<li>Proven ability to lead software architecture across multiple teams and programs</li>
<li>Solid embedded software foundation (C/C++ in avionics-type environments)</li>
<li>Experience working directly with customers on regulated aerospace programs</li>
</ul>
Preferred Qualifications:
<ul>
<li>Experience supporting major aerospace OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.</li>
<li>ARINC 653 or partitioned RTOS environments.</li>
<li>Multicore certification strategy.</li>
<li>Model-based development exposure (DO-331 context).</li>
<li>Integration lab or iron-bird environment exposure.</li>
<li>Experience building or scaling Centers of Excellence or capability-based delivery teams.</li>
</ul>
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
<ul>
<li>Work That Matters &ndash; Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.</li>
<li>Growth That's Supported &ndash; Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.</li>
<li>A Culture That Works &ndash; A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.</li>
</ul>
Benefits Include
<ul>
<li>Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.</li>
</ul><div>
At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don't just build technology &mdash; 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 &mdash; not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we're not just leading the industry &mdash; 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.</div></div>

Chief Software Engineer

<div>We don't just build technology&mdash;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 and Solutions is growing and looking to add an Avionics Software Team Lead / Scrum Master to support development of a product. The Team Lead/ Scrum Master will support development, integration, and sustainment of product. The successful candidate will work across the I/O, core processing, networking, 2D/3D graphics, and video/merge subsystems, integrating FPGA-based hardware, real-time operating systems, middleware services, and application interfaces to deliver deterministic, safety-critical avionics capabilities.

Due to the nature of the project, all applicants must be U.S. citizens. The ideal candidate should be based out of Cedar Rapids, IA, but open to remote candidates with up to 25% travel.
This role is responsible for leading a cross-functional team of 5&ndash;10 embedded software and test engineers across I/O (1553, ARINC 429), hypervisor/RTOS environments, secure platform services, and video/graphics subsystems.

The ideal candidate has a strong technical background in avionics software development and testing but operates primarily as a delivery leader &mdash; driving execution, managing priorities, interfacing with customers, and enabling the team to succeed.

Roles &amp; Responsibilities

Team Leadership &amp; Execution
<ul>
<li>Lead and manage a team of 5&ndash;10 embedded software and test engineers.</li>
<li>Own sprint execution, delivery commitments, and technical task coordination.</li>
<li>Drive accountability, remove impediments, and maintain schedule predictability.</li>
<li>Balance technical risk, program priorities, and resource allocation.</li>
<li>Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture.</li>
<li>Guide and mentor engineers with the help of subject matter experts or senior engineers on the team.</li>
</ul>
Agile &amp; Process Management
<ul>
<li>Serve as Scrum Master for the team.</li>
<li>Plan and facilitate sprint planning, backlog grooming, daily standups, reviews, and retrospectives.</li>
<li>Maintain and manage Jira boards, metrics, and reporting.</li>
<li>Track velocity, burndown, risks, and dependencies.</li>
<li>Support continuous process improvement initiatives.</li>
<li>Ensure compliance with program-level development processes (e.g., DO-178C alignment where applicable).</li>
</ul>
Customer &amp; Stakeholder Interface
<ul>
<li>Serve as the primary day-to-day interface to program management, customers, and stakeholders.</li>
<li>Communicate progress, risks, and mitigation strategies clearly and professionally.</li>
<li>Follows QDSS project management process and ensures quality/on-time delivery.</li>
<li>Adhere to QDSS policies and procedures to ensure proper employee performance and development (metrics, performance reviews, training plans, etc.)</li>
<li>Support technical interchange meetings and milestone reviews.</li>
<li>Translate high-level program requirements into actionable engineering tasks.</li>
<li>Coordinate across hardware, FPGA, systems, cybersecurity, and test organizations.</li>
</ul>
Technical Oversight
<ul>
<li>Provide leadership without acting as the primary technical implementer.</li>
<li>Review architecture with technical leaders to ensure sound engineering practices.</li>
<li>Lean on senior engineers for deep domain expertise in:</li>
<li>MIL-STD-1553 / ARINC 429 I/O systems</li>
<li>ARINC 653 partitioned RTOS environments</li>
<li>FPGA device drivers</li>
<li>Video/graphics and merge subsystems</li>
<li>Identify technical risk areas early and escalate appropriately.</li>
<li>Support integration and test planning at LRU and system levels.</li>
</ul>
Required Qualifications:
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.</li>
<li>5+ years of experience in avionics or embedded software development/testing.</li>
<li>Minimum of 2 years leading engineering teams.</li>
<li>Working knowledge of real-time embedded systems.</li>
<li>Experience in aerospace/defense development environments.</li>
<li>Demonstrated experience operating as a Scrum Master in Agile environments.</li>
<li>Hands-on experience with Jira for backlog management and reporting.</li>
<li>Strong communication and customer-facing skills.</li>
<li>U.S. citizenship required.</li>
</ul>
Preferred Qualifications:
<ul>
<li>Personnel management experience is preferred</li>
<li>Experience with ARINC 653, VxWorks, LynxOS, or partitioned systems.</li>
<li>Familiarity with MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, or avionics I/O architectures.</li>
<li>Experience supporting DO-178C or similar regulated development processes.</li>
<li>Experience leading integrated software development and test teams.</li>
<li>Scrum Master certification (CSM or equivalent).</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Local to Cedar Rapids, IA</li>
</ul>
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
<ul>
<li>Work That Matters &ndash; Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Growth That's Supported &ndash; Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.</li>
</ul><ul><li>A Culture That Works &ndash; A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.</li>
</ul>
Benefits Include
<ul>
<li>Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.</li></ul><div> 
At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don't just build technology &mdash; 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 &mdash; not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we're not just leading the industry &mdash; 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.</div></div>

Aerospace Software Team Lead / Scrum Master

Join Quest Defense and explore 3   exciting career opportunities. They're hiring for various roles with options for remote or on-site work. Apply today and become part of their innovative team.

Quest Defense

About Company

Mechanical Designer and Drafter - Secret Clearance

Chief Software Engineer

Aerospace Software Team Lead / Scrum Master