Senior Embedded Software Engineer - TCAS / Surveillance Avionics

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. 

We are seeking an experienced Senior Embedded Software Engineer to develop, integrate, verify, and maintain safety-critical airborne software supporting TCAS/ACAS and surveillance avionics systems.  This hands-on role requires strong C/C++, real-time embedded systems, and DO-178B/C experience. The engineer will support requirements, design, implementation, verification, integration, troubleshooting, certification documentation, and FAA certification activities.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona.  On-site preferred, 3+ days/week

Citizenship: U.S. Person  

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain TCAS/ACAS and airborne surveillance software using C/C++ in real-time and RTOS environments.
• Design, implement, integrate, and verify safety-critical embedded software.
• Analyze, modify, integrate, and troubleshoot new and legacy software.
• Develop and maintain requirements, traceability, design documentation, source code, and lifecycle data.
• Develop and execute unit and integration tests and perform requirements-based verification.
• Integrate software with avionics hardware, RF, FPGA/firmware, and aircraft systems.
• Debug software, perform root-cause analysis, resolve defects, and support JIRA defect burn-down.
• Participate in code, peer, requirements, design, verification, and Critical Design Reviews (CDRs).
• Maintain software build environments, toolchains, version control, and configuration management.
• Support software baselines, releases, and configuration management.
• Support DO-178B/C, DO-185B, RTCA MOPS, FAA certification audits/reviews, findings, and technical issues.
• Develop and maintain certification lifecycle data covering planning, requirements, design, implementation, verification/validation, configuration management, and quality assurance.
• Work with systems, hardware, RF, verification, certification, program, and customer teams to resolve technical issues and drive actions to closure.

Required Qualifications

• 5–15 years of relevant embedded software engineering experience, preferably in airborne or other safety-critical systems.
• Strong C and C++ development skills.
• Experience with real-time embedded systems and RTOS environments.
• Experience analyzing, modifying, integrating, and troubleshooting existing or legacy embedded software.
• Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills.
• Experience with embedded software and hardware/software integration.
• Experience developing and executing unit and integration tests.
• Experience with requirements-based development, verification, traceability, design, implementation, and configuration management.
• Experience with formal code/peer reviews.
• Experience with software build environments, toolchains, version control, and configuration management.
• Experience with JIRA or similar defect-management systems.
• Experience producing engineering documentation within a controlled software lifecycle.
• Strong technical communication and ability to drive actions to closure.
• Direct experience with TCAS/ACAS, ADS-B, transponder, or other airborne surveillance software.
• Working knowledge of TCAS/ACAS functionality, surveillance concepts, and aircraft interfaces.
• Experience with DO-178B/C airborne software development and certification.
• Experience developing/supporting DO-178 lifecycle data, including planning, requirements, design, implementation, verification, configuration management, and certification evidence.
• Familiarity with DO-185B and applicable TCAS MOPS/test criteria.
• Must meet U.S. Person requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FAA certification audits, reviews, or Software Stages of Involvement (SOI).
• Familiarity with surveillance/collision avoidance RTCA standards and FAA Technical Standard Orders.
• Experience with requirements-based testing, requirements-to-test traceability, and structural coverage.
• Experience with safety-critical verification, including:
• Low- and high-level requirements-based testing
• Robustness testing
• Structural coverage analysis
• MC/DC, where applicable
• Experience with ARINC 429, AFDX, or other aircraft communication protocols.
• Familiarity with RF-based surveillance systems and RF/FPGA hardware interaction.
• Experience supporting laboratory, aircraft integration, qualification, or flight-test activities.

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. 

Pay Ranges 127000 - 167000 USD