Lead Nuclear Digital Instrumentation & Controls (I&C)

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 and Solutions is looking for a Lead Nuclear Digital Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) IV&V Engineer to provide technical leadership in the verification and validation of complex digital control systems used in the nuclear industry.

This is an engineering role—not simply a test execution position. You will determine what needs to be verified, how it should be tested, and what evidence is needed to demonstrate compliance. You'll work across software, hardware, firmware, FPGA, systems engineering, quality, and project teams to evaluate system performance, identify technical risks, and ensure requirements are fully verified.

Location: role is remote with significant travel to customer and project locations.

Travel: The initial training period requires approximately 6 months in Wilmington, NC, followed by project work in Nampa, ID. Candidates should be comfortable with extended travel and onsite customer support.

Citizenship:  US Citizen or US Person due to the nature of the work

What You'll Do

• Lead independent verification and validation (IV&V) activities for nuclear digital I&C and embedded control systems.
• Analyze system, software, hardware, firmware, interface, and performance requirements and translate them into verification objectives and test strategies.
• Develop IV&V test plans, procedures, test reports, test cases, and requirements traceability matrices.
• Plan and execute system, subsystem, component, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and regression testing.
• Evaluate test results and objective evidence to determine whether requirements have been met.
• Identify anomalies, technical risks, incomplete evidence, and potential compliance issues; drive issues through resolution and closure.
• Review system requirements, designs, software and firmware releases, FPGA/PLD documentation, interfaces, and verification evidence.
• Perform change-impact assessments and determine appropriate regression testing following design, software, hardware, or configuration changes.
• Support test simulators, automated test equipment, test tools, and production test systems.
• Maintain configuration control of test environments, hardware, software, firmware, test media, and verification evidence.
• Support safety, cybersecurity, FMEA, hazard analysis, and risk assessment activities as required.
• Lead or support customer-facing Factory Acceptance Testing, technical reviews, and project execution.
• Communicate test status, technical findings, risks, and recommendations to customers and project leadership.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineers and test personnel.
• Work closely with systems, software, hardware, FPGA, quality, manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and project management teams.

 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in embedded software development, software verification, or systems verification.
• Expert-level experience with C programming and embedded software development.
• Strong experience with software development, code reviews, unit testing, integration testing, and debugging.
• Experience developing and executing verification and validation (V&V) strategies for complex systems.
• Experience developing test plans, test procedures, test reports, and requirements traceability.
• Strong understanding of configuration management and requirements-based testing.
• Ability to independently evaluate technical requirements, determine appropriate verification methods, and identify the objective evidence needed to demonstrate compliance.
• Strong technical judgment, problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively and support extended onsite assignments.

 Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following:

• Digital Instrumentation & Controls (I&C)
• Embedded systems
• Software IV&V
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Requirements traceability
• Automated test equipment
• Test simulators
• Hardware/software integration
• FPGA/PLD verification
• Cybersecurity and vulnerability assessments
• FMEA and hazard analysis
• Safety-critical systems
• Python
• GitLab
• Jira
• LDRA
• ARM Development Studio
• Visual Studio
• GDB
• DO-178 or other safety-critical software development standards

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.