Senior Hardware End of Life Engineer at Quest Defense Systems & Solutions

Job description

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 a Senior Hardware Obsolescence Engineer to sustain and modernize safety-critical avionics hardware. The core of this role is board-level design and electronic component obsolescence: assessing end-of-life parts, selecting and qualifying replacements, updating schematics and bills of material, and verifying changes to existing hardware. You will work with hardware, FPGA, systems, software, and certification teams to manage the effects of those changes on programmable logic and system interfaces. We are looking for a hands-on electrical hardware engineer with FPGA experience or a working knowledge of FPGA devices and their board-level integration. This program is remote, based in the United States. U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status is required. Key Responsibilities: Assess DMSMS and component lifecycle risks for existing avionics boards; recommend practical mitigation plans. Lead board-level technology refresh efforts, including replacement component selection, schematic updates, bills of material, and coordination with PCB layout teams. Evaluate alternate parts and design changes for electrical, functional, physical, and environmental compatibility; consider redesign and Last Time Buy options when appropriate. Review signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC, and the impact of board changes on digital interfaces. Evaluate impacts to FPGAs, ASICs, CPLDs, PLDs, and their interfaces; coordinate programmable logic changes or replacements with FPGA specialists as needed. Support prototype bring-up, laboratory testing, troubleshooting, hardware integration, and verification of revised designs. Assess and document the effects of engineering changes on applicable DO-254, DO-160, ARP4754A, and ARP4761 activities. Prepare engineering change packages, qualification evidence, and certification-quality documentation; maintain configuration control and communicate recommendations to customers and internal teams. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 10+ years of professional electrical hardware development experience, including hands-on board-level or PCB design work. Experience updating schematics, selecting electronic components, maintaining bills of material, and supporting board redesign or technology refresh. Experience assessing component obsolescence and qualifying replacements for existing electronic hardware. Working knowledge of FPGA devices, digital logic, and the electrical interfaces between programmable logic and the surrounding board design. Experience supporting DO-254 hardware development or verification and DO-160 environmental qualification activities. Knowledge of digital electronics, signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI/EMC considerations. Experience with at least one relevant interface, such as ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, PCIe, SPI, I²C, CAN, or UART. Preferred Skills: Hands-on FPGA development or verification using VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog and tools such as AMD/Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, or Microchip Libero. Experience with ASIC-, CPLD-, PLD-, or discrete-logic-to-FPGA technology refresh efforts. Experience developing DMSMS mitigation plans, including alternate-source evaluation and Last Time Buy recommendations. Familiarity with ARP4754A, ARP4761, or FACE architecture and standards. Experience in commercial or military avionics programs involving flight displays, mission computers, navigation systems, flight controls, radar, engine controls, UAV/UAS platforms, or space electronics. Master’s degree in engineering or a related discipline. Experience adopting and/or integrating 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 $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.

Requirements

Must-haves

This program is remote, based in the United States.
U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status is required.
Assess DMSMS and component lifecycle risks for existing avionics boards; recommend practical mitigation plans.
Lead board-level technology refresh efforts, including replacement component selection, schematic updates, bills of material, and coordination with PCB layout teams.
Evaluate alternate parts and design changes for electrical, functional, physical, and environmental compatibility; consider redesign and Last Time Buy options when appropriate.
Review signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC, and the impact of board changes on digital interfaces.
Evaluate impacts to FPGAs, ASICs, CPLDs, PLDs, and their interfaces; coordinate programmable logic changes or replacements with FPGA specialists as needed.
Support prototype bring-up, laboratory testing, troubleshooting, hardware integration, and verification of revised designs.
Assess and document the effects of engineering changes on applicable DO-254, DO-160, ARP4754A, and ARP4761 activities.
Prepare engineering change packages, qualification evidence, and certification-quality documentation; maintain configuration control and communicate recommendations to customers and internal teams.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
10+ years of professional electrical hardware development experience, including hands-on board-level or PCB design work.
Experience updating schematics, selecting electronic components, maintaining bills of material, and supporting board redesign or technology refresh.
Experience assessing component obsolescence and qualifying replacements for existing electronic hardware.
Working knowledge of FPGA devices, digital logic, and the electrical interfaces between programmable logic and the surrounding board design.
Experience supporting DO-254 hardware development or verification and DO-160 environmental qualification activities.
Knowledge of digital electronics, signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI/EMC considerations.

Nice-to-haves

Hands-on FPGA development or verification using VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog and tools such as AMD/Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, or Microchip Libero.
Experience with ASIC-, CPLD-, PLD-, or discrete-logic-to-FPGA technology refresh efforts.
Experience developing DMSMS mitigation plans, including alternate-source evaluation and Last Time Buy recommendations.
Familiarity with ARP4754A, ARP4761, or FACE architecture and standards.
Experience in commercial or military avionics programs involving flight displays, mission computers, navigation systems, flight controls, radar, engine controls, UAV/UAS platforms, or space electronics.
Master’s degree in engineering or a related discipline.
Experience adopting and/or integrating emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

Application prep

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Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Professional Development