Senior Electrical / Hardware Engineer

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 an experienced Avionics Obsolescence Engineer to support the sustainment, modernization, and technology refresh of safety-critical avionics hardware. This role will focus on identifying and resolving electronic component obsolescence issues, developing FPGA-based replacements, selecting qualified replacement components, and supporting engineering changes through verification and certification. You will work across hardware, systems, software, certification, and program teams to maintain product availability and airworthiness as legacy components become unavailable. The ideal candidate combines hands-on FPGA and digital hardware expertise with a strong understanding of Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages, or DMSMS, and avionics certification requirements. This program is remote and based in the United States. U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status is required. Key Responsibilities: Perform DMSMS assessments and identify risks associated with obsolete or soon-to-be-obsolete electronic components. Develop mitigation strategies, including alternate component selection, technology refresh, FPGA redesign, and Last Time Buy recommendations. Design FPGA-based replacements for obsolete ASICs, CPLDs, PLDs, and discrete logic. Develop and maintain qualified replacement Bills of Material. Support schematic updates, PCB design reviews, signal integrity, power integrity, and hardware verification activities. Evaluate design and interface impacts related to DO-254, DO-160, ARP4754A, and ARP4761. Support laboratory testing, hardware integration, troubleshooting, and configuration management. Develop certification-quality engineering documentation. Support engineering change implementation and communicate technical recommendations to customers and internal stakeholders. Assist with ASIC-related design activities when required. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline. 10+ years of professional experience with FPGA or embedded hardware development. FPGA development experience using at least one of the following: AMD/Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, or Microchip Libero Experience programming in VHDL, Verilog, and/or SystemVerilog. Experience with DO-254 and DO-160 requirements or certification activities. Knowledge of digital electronics, PCB design reviews, signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI/EMC considerations. Experience with one or more avionics or embedded communication interfaces, such as: ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, PCIe, SPI, I²C, CAN, or UART. Preferred Skills: Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline. Experience performing DMSMS or electronic component obsolescence analysis. Experience developing replacement Bills of Material and evaluating alternate components. Experience supporting FPGA technology refresh or ASIC-to-FPGA redesign efforts. Familiarity with ARP4754A and ARP4761. Experience with FACE architecture or standards. Experience working within commercial or military avionics development environments. Background supporting flight displays, mission computers, navigation systems, flight controls, radar, engine controls, UAV/UAS platforms, or space electronics. 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 $80 — $85 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.