Embedded Platform / Multi-Core Performance Engineer

Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in software development for embedded and real-time systems.
  • Strong programming skills in C and/or C++ within embedded environments.
  • Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) in high-reliability environments; DEOS highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with DO-178B/C standards for software development and certification.
  • Deep understanding of multicore processor architectures and performance analysis.
  • Experience troubleshooting complex embedded software at system level.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain software for real-time safety-critical embedded systems.
  • Optimize software solutions for multicore processors to ensure deterministic behavior.
  • Mitigate performance impacts from shared hardware resources across various devices.
  • Analyze memory access patterns and optimize cache utilization for system performance.
  • Perform Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) analysis for safety-critical applications.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to tackle platform-level performance challenges.
  • Develop documentation supporting software development and compliance activities.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with preference for Phoenix, AZ location; remote candidates will be considered.
  • Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.
  • Engagement in innovative projects for advanced avionics display systems.
  • Collaboration with diverse engineering teams across graphics, systems, and hardware.
  • Participation in software architecture reviews and multicore performance assessments.
Full Job Description
Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Senior Embedded Platform / Multicore Software Engineer to support the development and modernization of platform software for advanced avionics display systems. This role will focus on low-level real-time software development, multicore processor architecture, deterministic execution, shared resource management, and system performance within safety-critical embedded environments.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience developing embedded platform software in Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) environments, along with a deep understanding of multicore processors, cache and memory architecture, resource isolation, and performance analysis. This individual will collaborate with graphics, systems, hardware, and software engineering teams to analyze system behavior, address shared-resource interference, and optimize execution across CPUs, GPUs, memory, I/O, and other integrated hardware resources.

Experience working within DO-178B/C development and certification environments is required. Practical experience with DEOS RTOS is highly preferred, although candidates with strong low-level development experience using comparable safety-critical RTOS platforms may also be considered.

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 maintain platform software for safety-critical embedded systems operating in real-time environments.
  • Develop and optimize software solutions supporting multicore processor architectures and deterministic system behavior.
  • Analyze and mitigate performance impacts caused by shared hardware resources, including processors, memory subsystems, GPUs, I/O devices, FPGAs, and storage devices.
  • Evaluate and optimize cache utilization, memory access patterns, resource isolation strategies, and system-level performance.
  • Perform Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) analysis and support deterministic execution requirements for safety-critical applications.
  • Develop and implement strategies for cache partitioning, resource allocation, and performance isolation within multicore environments.
  • Support RTOS configuration, integration, optimization, and troubleshooting activities, with an emphasis on safety-critical embedded platforms.
  • Collaborate with graphics, systems, software, and hardware engineering teams to identify and resolve platform-level performance bottlenecks.
  • Support software verification, validation, debugging, and integration activities throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Participate in software architecture reviews, technical trade studies, and multicore performance assessments.
  • Develop technical documentation and engineering artifacts in support of software development and certification activities.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in embedded platform software, multicore architectures, and RTOS-based development.

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 and real-time systems.
  • Strong programming experience in C and/or C++ within embedded software environments.
  • Experience developing low-level platform software, board support software, operating system software, or embedded infrastructure software.
  • Experience working with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) in safety-critical or high-reliability environments. (DEOS highly preferred)
  • Experience working within DO-178B and/or DO-178C software development and certification environments.
  • Strong understanding of multicore processor architectures and system-level behavior.
  • Experience analyzing processor, memory, and cache performance, including cache hierarchy, memory controllers, shared memory, and DDR memory systems.
  • Experience evaluating and optimizing software performance in multicore embedded systems.
  • Experience supporting deterministic execution requirements and real-time system performance objectives.
  • Experience debugging and troubleshooting complex embedded software issues at the system level.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across software, systems, hardware, and integration teams.
  • U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with DEOS RTOS.
  • Experience performing Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) analysis.
  • Experience with cache partitioning, resource isolation, and multicore interference mitigation techniques.
  • Familiarity with FAA multicore certification guidance, including AC 20-193.
  • Experience with performance monitoring tools, performance counters, and Quality of Service (QoS) analysis.
  • Experience supporting avionics display systems or other aerospace embedded platforms.
  • Experience analyzing shared resource utilization across CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, I/O devices, and memory subsystems.
  • Experience with safety-critical RTOS platforms such as DEOS, VxWorks, Integrity, LynxOS, PikeOS, or similar operating 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:

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$150,000-$170,000 USD

About Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. Careers

Joining Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of an elite team of professionals specializing in defense technology and solutions. This is a pivotal time to contribute to a company that values innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Career Opportunities and Growth

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. The company is dedicated to the professional growth and continuous career development of all team members. From leadership roles to entry-level positions, Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, driven, and ready to contribute to high-stakes projects.

Innovative Work Environment

At Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc., innovation is at the core of everything they do. The team is tasked with developing advanced solutions that keep them at the forefront of the defense industry. Employees at Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries to achieve the best results.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career, Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. offers robust internship programs that provide hands-on experience in a highly supportive environment. Internships are a great way to build your resume, develop new skills, and gain valuable industry insight. Many interns move on to full-time positions, making this a great gateway to a career with Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.

Diversity and Inclusion

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company believes that diversity fuels innovation and creates a stronger team. Diversity training is integral to their culture, ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Benefits and Culture

The culture at Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is built on a foundation of respect and integrity. Employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. These benefits include health care, retirement plans, and paid time off, among others. The supportive culture ensures that everyone feels valued and can perform at their best.

Networking and Professional Development

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. emphasizes the importance of professional development and networking. Employees are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and are provided with numerous opportunities for advancement. Career development programs and leadership training are just a few of the resources available to help employees meet their career goals.

Join the Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. Team

Explore the career pages to find open positions that match your skills and interests. Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is looking for dedicated, curious, and innovative team players. Start your journey by applying today and prepare for a series of interviews where you can showcase your capabilities.

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