Senior Embedded Platform / Multicore Performance Engineer

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 Systems & Solutions is seeking a Senior Embedded Platform / Multicore Software Engineer to support the development, certification, and performance optimization of platform software for advanced avionics display systems. This role will focus on multicore processor architectures, deterministic execution, Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) analysis, shared resource management, and real-time operating system technologies within complex embedded aerospace systems. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience with multicore embedded platforms, processor and memory architecture, RTOS-based development, and performance analysis in safety-critical environments. This individual will work closely with software, systems, graphics, and hardware engineering teams to evaluate shared resource usage, analyze interference channels, support deterministic execution strategies, and contribute to certification readiness for advanced avionics platforms. Experience working within DO-178B/C software development environments is required. Practical experience with DEOS or an equivalent safety-critical RTOS is strongly preferred, especially experience involving cache partitioning, resource isolation, and multicore performance management. Familiarity with AC 20-193 guidance for multicore processor certification and/or TSO-C153a is highly desired. Hybrid work in Phoenix, AZ is preferred; however, qualified remote candidates will be considered. U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status is required. Key Responsibilities: Design, develop, integrate, and support platform software for safety-critical embedded avionics systems operating in multicore environments. Analyze multicore processor behavior, shared resource usage, and system-level performance across CPUs, GPUs, memory subsystems, I/O, FPGAs, storage devices, and other integrated hardware resources. Evaluate processor and memory architecture considerations, including cache hierarchy, memory controllers, DDR/main memory systems, and shared memory access across multiple cores. Perform or support Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) analysis with consideration for interference from GPUs, I/O subsystems, SSDs, FPGAs, and other shared resources. Utilize performance counters, Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, and other monitoring approaches to assess shared resource utilization and performance impacts. Develop and support deterministic execution strategies, including cache partitioning, resource isolation, and resource management within RTOS-based environments. Support DEOS or equivalent RTOS configuration, integration, troubleshooting, and performance optimization activities. Collaborate with software, systems, graphics, and hardware teams to identify and resolve platform-level performance issues and multicore interference concerns. Support software verification, validation, documentation, and certification activities in accordance with safety-critical aerospace development processes. Participate in architecture reviews, technical trade studies, multicore performance assessments, and certification planning discussions. Develop technical documentation and engineering artifacts supporting platform design, performance analysis, and certification objectives. Provide technical guidance to engineering teams on multicore platform behavior, RTOS performance, shared resource management, and deterministic execution. 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, real-time, or safety-critical systems. Strong programming experience in C and/or C++ within embedded software environments. Experience with DEOS, partitioned real-time operating systems, or other safety-critical RTOS platforms such as VxWorks, Integrity, LynxOS, PikeOS, or similar. Experience working within DO-178B and/or DO-178C software development environments. Strong understanding of multicore processor architecture and system-level behavior. Experience with processor and memory architecture concepts, including shared memory access, cache hierarchy, memory controllers, and DDR/main memory systems. Experience analyzing embedded software performance, timing behavior, or resource utilization in multicore systems. Understanding of shared resource monitoring and analysis techniques, including performance counters, Quality of Service (QoS), or related approaches. Experience performing or supporting WCET analysis, timing analysis, or deterministic performance evaluation. Ability to evaluate system interference impacts from shared resources such as GPU, I/O, FPGA, storage, memory, or other hardware resources. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across software, systems, hardware, graphics, and certification teams. Familiarity with FAA multicore certification guidance, including AC 20-193 and/or experience with TSO-C153a, Integrated Modular Avionics, or IMA platform/module certification considerations. U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status. Preferred Qualifications: Practical experience with DEOS RTOS. Experience with cache partitioning, resource isolation, and resource management in multicore RTOS environments. Experience supporting multicore certification planning, analysis, or compliance activities. Experience supporting avionics display systems, flight deck systems, mission computers, or other aerospace embedded platforms. Experience working with GPU interaction, shared memory behavior, or graphics-related performance impacts within embedded systems. Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.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. Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications Pay Ranges $150,000 — $170,000 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.