Lead Software Engineer – Automated Test Systems
TLDR
Lead the design, development, and integration of automated test software for aerospace and defense programs, blending hands-on coding with technical leadership to shape architecture and strategy.
Lead the Future of Mission-Critical Test Systems
Are you a software engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges while helping others succeed?
We're looking for a Lead Software Engineer to help drive the development, integration, and deployment of automated test systems supporting advanced aerospace and defense programs. In this role, you'll combine hands-on software development with technical leadership, helping shape the architecture, strategy, and future direction of sophisticated test platforms.
You'll work alongside talented engineers, influence key technical decisions, and contribute to systems that support some of the industry's most important technologies.
Location: Tucson, AZ or Scottsdale, AZ (Onsite)
Relocation Assistance Available
U.S. Citizenship Required
Active Secret Clearance Preferred | Ability to Obtain Required
Why Join Us?
- Lead high-impact engineering efforts while remaining hands-on
- Influence software architecture and technical strategy
- Work on advanced aerospace and defense technologies
- Collaborate with experienced multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Mentor and develop engineers across the organization
- Gain visibility with engineering and program leadership
- Help deliver mission-critical systems that matter
What You'll Do
- Lead the design, development, and integration of automated test software solutions
- Develop software applications and frameworks using C#, C++, and related technologies
- Define software architectures and technical approaches for complex test platforms
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to software engineers
- Drive software and hardware integration efforts across multiple test systems
- Collaborate with systems, electrical, test, manufacturing, and program teams to deliver successful solutions
- Support requirements development, system design, architecture reviews, and technical planning
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex system-level issues
- Contribute to program execution by balancing technical performance, schedule, and delivery objectives
- Identify opportunities to improve software quality, reliability, maintainability, and scalability
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field
- 7+ years of software engineering, test software, or automated test system development experience
- Strong experience developing applications using C# and/or C++
- Experience integrating software with hardware, instrumentation, or automated test systems
- Proven ability to lead technical efforts, mentor engineers, or guide project execution
- Strong system-level troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technical leaders, and program stakeholders
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain one
Preferred Experience
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE) development or architecture
- Test system design, integration, and deployment
- National Instruments (NI) hardware, software, or test environments
- Instrument control, instrument drivers, and automation frameworks
- Aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other high-reliability industries
- UML, system modeling, or architecture documentation tools
- CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and software configuration management
- Experience leading software architecture reviews and technical roadmaps
What Success Looks Like
In this role, you'll serve as both a technical leader and a hands-on contributor. You'll help guide engineering teams, influence architecture decisions, solve complex integration challenges, and deliver reliable test systems that support critical aerospace and defense programs.
If you're looking for an opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact while continuing to grow your technical expertise, we'd love to hear from you.
Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications
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.
Benefits
Relocation Assistance
Relocation Assistance Available
Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. develops innovative aerospace and defense technologies to address complex challenges in the sector. With over 25 years of engineering expertise, we deliver transformative solutions that drive impactful change and advance mission-critical objectives for our clients.