At Quest Defense Systems & Solutions (QDSS), our engineering work is shaping the future we want to see. As a globally recognized incubator for engineering talent, we’re seeking dedicated mechanical, aerospace, and software engineers who want to forge that future with us. Here, professional development and personal fulfillment carry equal weight—we prioritize sustainable progress over short-term gains and cultivate a welcoming workplace that’s never dull.
Air. Land. Sea. Space. We do it all.
Like our passion for innovation, our list of potential projects is limitless. Our engineers collaborate on all kinds of exciting assignments for the private and public sectors. And while our tight-knit teams may be small, our contracts are anything but: QDSS engineers work on the same projects as much larger global firms.
Aero
Engines
Navigation
Systems
Radar
Systems
Satellites
Hear from your future colleagues
Personal Growth Through Meaningful Work
At QDSS, you’ll find the freedom and support to grow on your own terms—a true launch pad for your career. Here, you can explore bold ideas, make real impact, and step into leadership, all while charting your own path with work that truly matters.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance That Feels Genuine
Flexibility isn’t a perk, it’s the way we operate. Whether it’s structuring your day around family, hobbies, or personal commitments, you have the freedom to manage your time while staying focused on shared goals. It's a balance that feels real, supported by leaders who know when to push, when to listen, and when to let you take the wheel.
Mission-Driven Innovation in a High-Impact Industry
In aerospace, discovery never stops—and neither do we. At QDSS, engineers find freedom to learn, tools to innovate, and a mission that drives real-world impact. The opportunities are endless, and the future is wide open.
A Culture of Collaboration, Trust and Humility
At QDSS, you’ll find an environment unlike most engineering consultancies—open, authentic, and free from unnecessary bureaucracy. Teams work seamlessly across disciplines, driven by shared goals rather than hierarchy. Wins are celebrated together, challenges are tackled side by side, and every voice has space at the table.
A career that grows
with you.
We’re known for transforming ambition into opportunity. Regardless of your goals and experience, you have a clear path forward here. With cross-functional collaboration as our central philosophy and an emphasis on promoting internally, we empower our engineers to build long-lasting careers in whichever discipline they’re drawn to—even if it’s not the one they started in.
Competitive
Salaries
Bonus
Opportunities
First-Day
Health Coverage
Flexible
Vacation Time
A culture of collaboration and curiosity.
Every day is an opportunity to ask questions, push boundaries, and explore new ways to advance both engineering and your career. You won’t just support projects—you’ll help build the systems behind the mission and shape what’s next in flight, working side by side with a team that brings a wide mix of experience and perspectives.
We foster growth and stability by encouraging learning on the job, sharing knowledge across disciplines, and giving you the autonomy to take projects from start to finish. You’ll be a key part of the team from day one—and you’ll help create the breakthroughs that come next. As you collaborate and experiment, you’ll take on mission-critical responsibilities that expand your engineering expertise and fuel the collective progress of aerospace innovation.
Ready to make an impact?
Looking for a role that will test your limits and evolve alongside you? We’re looking for you.
Our ideal candidates are driven, forward-looking engineers with an eye for detail and a curious mind. As long as you’re willing to learn, prior industry experience is not required—because skills can be taught, but ambition and adaptability can’t.
Applicants should be U.S. citizens with an academic or professional background in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, or software). Security clearance will be required for some roles, so the ability and willingness to obtain clearance is a plus.
Chris Hardgrave joined Quest Defense in April 2024 as Vice President for Strategic Accounts. He is responsible for sales, growth, and development of strategic relationships for new business development efforts in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Chris works in the Washington, D.C. office.
As Chief Engineer for Quest Defense, Jon is responsible for ensuring that sound engineering processes are maintained and followed by our employees working in a diverse set of services and disciplines across all verticals. In this role he also leads Quest Defense’s efforts to develop new methods and technologies to help grow the business through innovation, as well as building and promoting the technical reputation of the company in the public sphere.
Jeff Fischer serves as a board member for Quest Defense Systems and Solutions business. Additionally Jeff is the Operations Leader for the Quest Global Aerospace and Defense Industry.
Steve Gerber is President and CEO of QuEST Defense Systems and Solutions business and is responsible for providing the leadership and growth of this venture.
Joe supports Special Missions across Quest Global to include key client contract negotiations, strategic business solutions, M&A, and culture endeavors.
Frank Kendall is an independent consultant to defense industry firms and non profit research organizations. He is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Senior Advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and a member of th e Council on Foreign Relations. Among other industry positions, he is a member of the board of directors of Leidos Corporation and of Leonardo Electronics USA Inc. From 2012 to 2017, Mr. Kendall served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, T echnology and Logistics (AT& after serving as the Principal Deputy Under Secretary from 2010 2012. Mr. Kendall has over 45 years of experience in engineering, management, defense acquisition, and national security affairs in private industry, governmen t, and the military.
John Thackrah is the founding Principal of Sextant Solutions LLC, an aerospace, maritime and government acquisition consultant.
Page Hoeper is a private consultant, corporate director, and venture capitalist. Since leaving government service, Mr. Hoeper has focused on corporate governance and board service. He chairs the boards of OnPoint Technologies, Inc., 501c(3) venture capital fund established by Congress to focus on emerging commercial technologies of interest to the U.S. Army, and Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, a provider of engineering services to the U.S. defense industry.
As the President of Quest Global, Bob is responsible for establishing and maintaining senior customer relationships, catalysing new business development, and overseeing innovative and transformational deals. In this role, he also assists in building relationships with strategic acquisitions for the company.