Senior Systems Engineer

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Department: BU.BAE.BAE1 – BAE Program 1

Join the elite team at QDSS, where our engineers are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge Aerospace, Defense, Space, and Medical Device products. Your work will make a real impact, contributing to the core of engineering solutions that drive technological advancements. 

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to support a key aerospace customer in the Cincinnati, OH area. In this highly visible, customer-facing role, you will serve as a technical representative for an established aerospace engine controls organization, working closely with the customer and internal engineering teams to support both existing products and new development programs.

This position is ideal for an experienced Systems Engineer who enjoys working across the full product lifecycle and wants exposure to complex engine control hardware, software, firmware, and test systems. You will support activities ranging from requirements development and systems integration to troubleshooting products in the customer’s laboratory environment, while building strong relationships and becoming a trusted technical resource.

The role offers a combination of remote work and onsite customer support in the Cincinnati area, with travel of up to 50% if not already in the area. Candidates must be U.S. Citizens and cannot hold dual citizenship.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as a key technical point of contact for an aerospace customer in the Cincinnati, OH area, representing the Engine Controls organization and supporting ongoing customer needs.
• Provide onsite and remote engineering support, including troubleshooting engine control products in a laboratory environment and assisting with technical issues as they arise.
• Support new development programs by helping define, review, and clarify system-level requirements.
• Work across the full systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements, design, integration, verification, and validation activities.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of engine control products across hardware, software, firmware, and test disciplines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to understand product functionality, interfaces, technical risks, and customer needs.
• Build strong relationships with the customer and become a trusted technical resource for product support and problem resolution.
• Travel periodically to customer facilities and company engineering/operations sites, including Endicott, NY and Fort Wayne, IN, to support collaboration, product learning, and technical issue resolution.
• Apply systems engineering processes, methodologies, and tools to support both existing products and new development efforts.
• Prioritize and adjust activities based on changing customer needs, program schedules, and technical priorities.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of professional Systems Engineering experience.
• Experience with systems engineering processes, methodologies, and tools.
• Experience supporting requirements development, system integration, verification, validation, or related lifecycle activities.
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory and customer-facing engineering environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Ability to prioritize work and adapt to changing customer and program needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including travel to customer and company facilities.
• Must be able to support onsite/hybrid work in the Cincinnati, OH area as required.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience supporting the full systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements, design, integration, verification, and validation.
• 1+ years of experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML.
• Experience using MBSE tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, or similar platforms.
• Aerospace, defense, avionics, or engine controls experience.
• Experience working directly with customers in a technical support or engineering capacity.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across hardware, software, firmware, test, and systems engineering teams.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with strong problem-solving, judgment, and analytical skills.
• Strong planning, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic engineering environment with changing priorities.

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.