Chief Software Engineer

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 & 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: Technical depth in DO-178C (DAL A–C) systems Experience working directly with customers Ability to guide multiple teams and programs Understanding of how to deliver within a services-based model 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: Customer-Facing Architecture Leadership Act as the primary technical point of contact between our engineering teams and customer leadership Turn customer requirements, contract scope, and certification needs into a clear, executable architecture approach Lead architecture discussions, trade studies, and key technical decisions with customer stakeholders Help guide customer technical direction while staying aligned with program scope and delivery commitments Present architecture, compliance approach, and technical risks in customer and executive reviews 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. Mission & Safety-Critical Architecture Ownership Define and lead software architecture for embedded, real-time, high-assurance systems Ensure alignment with key standards and processes, including: DO-178C (DAL A–C) ARP4754A system allocations Safety assessments and hazard mitigation Certification objectives and supporting evidence Drive core architectural decisions around: Modernization approaches Partitioning strategy Interface design Timing and resource management Fault containment and system robustness Safety-driven design patterns Engineering Services Delivery Model Integration 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. Define architecture in a way that enables: Multiple scrum teams working in parallel Coordination across distributed teams (onshore/offshore as needed) Clear breakdown of work into executable packages Structure architecture artifacts to support: Traceability to the Statement of Work Milestone-based delivery and billing Predictable integration and verification progress Contribute to proposals by helping define: ROM estimates Effort breakdowns Technical risks Staffing plans based on system complexity Team Technical Leadership & Oversight Provide hands-on architectural guidance across multiple engineers and/or scrum teams Help break down requirements into clear, testable, and implementable components Mentor engineers at all levels in safety-critical development practices Lead design reviews, interface reviews, and technical quality checks Ensure consistency in how solutions are implemented across teams Certification & Compliance Strategy Lead planning and alignment for certification artifacts, including: PSAC inputs SDP/SVP alignment Traceability approach Tool qualification considerations (DO-330, if applicable) Work closely with customer DERs and certification authorities as needed Make architectural decisions with certification in mind to reduce downstream risk Technical Risk & Program Health Management Identify architectural risks early (multicore timing, partitioning issues, interface changes, unstable requirements) Put mitigation plans in place and tie them to program milestones Support internal and customer reviews with clear, data-driven risk updates Ensure the architecture supports predictable integration and verification Required Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field Significant experience architecting DO-178C compliant software (DAL A experience preferred) Background working in an engineering services or supplier delivery environment Proven ability to lead software architecture across multiple teams and programs Solid embedded software foundation (C/C++ in avionics-type environments) Experience working directly with customers on regulated aerospace programs Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting major aerospace OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers. ARINC 653 or partitioned RTOS environments. Multicore certification strategy. Model-based development exposure (DO-331 context). Integration lab or iron-bird environment exposure. Experience building or scaling Centers of Excellence or capability-based delivery 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. Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications Pay Ranges $160,000 — $190,000 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.